Exploiting Partial Symmetry in Vortex Lattice Models
Abstract
Symmetry is commonly used to cut computation time; however, it is usually an all-or-nothing proposition. This need not be the case for vortex lattice computations. As an example, consider an airplane, symmetric with respect to a vertical plane through its nose and tail. If the free stream is parallel to the plane of symmetry, then numerical computations can be applied to half the airplane, and symmetry can be assumed for the other half. If, however, the free stream is not parallel to the plane of symmetry and/or if an instrument pod is added under one wing, then symmetry is spoiled. In vortex lattice computations, the symmetry of the airplane can still be used to advantage, not only in computation of the coefficients of the linear algebraic system, but more so in its solution. Computation time for a completely symmetric system is reduced, in comparison to that for an asymmetric system of the same size, by a factor of eight for one plane of symmetry. If there are two or three planes of symmetry, the factors are 64 and 512, respectively. If the system is only partially symmetric , the corresponding factors may still be as high as 4, 16, and 64.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA102573
Entities
People
- Bharat K. Soni
- Donald C. Todd
Organizations
- Arnold Engineering Development Complex