A CFD Based Method to Model Aerodynamic Interactions in Complex eVTOL Configurations for Realtime and Medium Fidelity Simulations”

3 November 2023
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
A CFD Based Method to Model Aerodynamic Interactions in Complex eVTOL Configurations for Realtime and Medium Fidelity Simulations”
Gregor Veble Mikić

ABSTRACT:  A method is presented that captures complex interactional aerodynamics between various aerodynamic components of eVTOL or other aircraft configurations. The fluid around the aircraft is modelled as a free Euler flow, where various aircraft components are acting as distributed force density sources within that flow. The method supports reconfigurable aircraft configurations without changes to the underlying mesh. The formulation allows for real time simulation that can be used directly in conceptual design to evaluate controllability, accelerate controls development, and support system simulations. In non real time simulations it can be used as a medium fidelity tool to capture aerodynamic effects in more comprehensive aircraft simulations. The method is successfully being applied in the realtime and offline simulations of the Joby S4 vehicle and forms the basis for the flight simulation and flight dynamics modelling within the company.