Introduction
The Planar Slice tool is another triangulation and intersection algorithm within OpenVSP. Executing the analysis will produce an array of slices defined by the user in the X, Y, or Z directions, including taking a single slice, and report the center location and area of each slice.
Topics
Planar Slice Introduction
Planar Slice Use and Behavior
Chapter 3 Subjects
Comp Geom
Planar Slice
Mass Properties Analysis
Projected Area
VSPAERO Basics
VSPAERO Advanced Methods
Wave Drag
Parasite Drag
Measure Tool
Introduction
OpenVSP’s Parasite Drag tool enables very detailed parasitic drag calculations and buildups by leveraging the existing model components and a variety of atmospheric, skin friction, and form factor equations. The Parasite Drag tool documentation page contains formulas, plots, references, and comparisons for all methods and equations used in the analysis, including atmospheric models, and serves as an excellent collection of information in its own right.
Topics
Parasite Drag Introduction and Use
Parasite Drag Flow Conditions
Parasite Drag Equation Options
Parasite Drag Component Grouping
Parasite Drag Excrescence
Chapter 3 Subjects
Comp Geom
Planar Slice
Mass Properties Analysis
Projected Area
VSPAERO Basics
VSPAERO Advanced Methods
Wave Drag
Parasite Drag
Measure Tool
Introduction
VSPAERO is a potential flow aerodynamics tool developed by Dave Kinney at NASA Ames. The solver was designed from the ground up to leverage OpenVSP geometries and the DegenGeom thin-surface representation. These tutorials are intended to provide basic information into the operation of the VSPAERO GUI rather than an explanation of the underlying theories and methods.
Links to prior OpenVSP Workshops where VSPAERO theory and background are discussed are provided below.
2020 Workshop – VSPAERO Theory, Validation, and Features recording
2022 Workshop – VSPAERO Recent Updates and Improvements recording
(2022 Presentation Slides)
Modeling best-practices for VSPAERO discussed at the 2021 OpenVSP Workshop are available below. Note that some material will be dated as this presentation was produced using OpenVSP 3.25.0.
Presentation Slides
Presentation Recording
Topics
VSPAERO Introduction
VSPAERO GUI Overview
VSPAERO Reference Values
VSPAERO Viewer Basics
VSPAERO Results Manager Overview
Chapter 3 Subjects
Comp Geom
Planar Slice
Mass Properties Analysis
Projected Area
VSPAERO Basics
VSPAERO Advanced Methods
Wave Drag
Parasite Drag
Measure Tool
Introduction
The Projected Area analysis produces an area and outlined “silhouette” of a model in preset or custom directions and can also produce the projected area of sets of components onto others. Users may choose any individual or set of components as the target, or the analyzed geometry, while defining the optional boundary and direction. For example, Projected Area may be used to compute the area of a helicopter fuselage beneath a rotor disk for download estimates.
Topics
Projected Area Introduction
Projected Area Targets
Projected Area Boundaries
Projected Area Direction
Chapter 3 Subjects
Comp Geom
Planar Slice
Mass Properties Analysis
Projected Area
VSPAERO Basics
VSPAERO Advanced Methods
Wave Drag
Parasite Drag
Measure Tool
Introduction
The Mass Properties analysis is a way to capture the masses, moments of inertia, and center of mass locations in an OpenVSP model or set. The density and mass/area for each component are used to compute the individual contributions to the total.
Topics
Mass Properties Analysis Introduction
Mass Properties Analysis Execution
Mass Properties Result File Overview
Chapter 3 Subjects
Comp Geom
Planar Slice
Mass Properties Analysis
Projected Area
VSPAERO Basics
VSPAERO Advanced Methods
Wave Drag
Parasite Drag
Measure Tool
