Validation of Wing Deformation Simulations for the NASA CRM Model using Fluid-Structure Interaction Computations

Abstract

The virtual determination of static aeroelastic deformations of NASA’s Common Research Model at steady-state flow conditions is described. Aeroelastic equilibrium conditions are computed using a fluid-structure interaction simulation approach based on high-fidelity numerical fluid dynamics and structural analysis methods. The correlation of numerical and experimental results under varying aerodynamic loads and model deformations is investigated and the influence of aeroelastic deformations on wing pressure distributions and overall aerodynamic coefficients is evaluated. Wind tunnel test data were made available from a recent test campaign performed at the European Transonic Wind Tunnel in Cologne, Germany as part of the research project ESWIRP (European Strategic Wind tunnels Improved Research Potential).