Drag Prediction Using Adaptive Discontinuous Finite Elements

Abstract

This paper presents the results obtained with an adaptive finite-element solver for the Fifth Drag Prediction Workshop.The discontinuous Galerkin finite-element method is used for the spatial discretization of the Reynoldsaveraged Navier-Stokes equations with a modified version of the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model.Drag convergence is sought via mesh adaptation driven by an adjoint-weighted residual method.Results are presented for the drag polar of the NACA 0012 airfoil under subsonic flow conditions and for the Common Research Model wingbody geometry under transonic flow conditions and fixed lift.The angle of attack that yields the desired lift is obtained via a Newton solve using the lift adjoint.