NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
3-D CFD in a day - The laser digitizer projectThe computation of airflow over complex configurations requires a complete description of the geometry. This can be obtained from CAD data, from blueprints, or from actual models. In any case, the time required is currently estimated at 4 to 6 months. It is proposed to shorten this time by a factor of 10 to 100 through the use of automated software, a fast, highly parallel computer and a three-dimensional laser digitizer. This device can provide (x,y,z) coordinates of surface points at rates exceeding 14,500/sec. Thus, it is possible to digitize an entire model in a few minutes. The accuracy of measurement on a flat white surface is better than 0.005 inches. Higher accuracy is available at higher cost. This work discusses the challenges which remain to be addressed. In particular, the surface point data need to be converted into a surface description, the surface description needs to be made into a surface grid, and the surface grid used to make a volume grid for the flow solver. Algorithms are kept in place or in mind for all of these problems. Integration of the more mature flow solution and visualization algorithms then allows generation of solution graphics directly from a wind tunnel model.
Document ID
19910057922
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Merriam, Marshal
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Barth, Tim
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1991
Subject Category
Computer Programming And Software
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 91-1654
Accession Number
91A42545
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available