There are relatively few Design parameters for the Body of Revolution component, at least those generalized for the axisymmetric shape. These Design parameters are only available in Flowthrough design mode. Diameter sets the diameter of the controlling leading edge feature line wrapped around the center axis. Note that even if you modify the leading edge closure, the Diameter is still calculated on the original, unmodified W reference location. If you skew upper, it will use the inner curve. If you skew lower, it will use the outer curve. If you skew both, it will use the middle curve.
The Angle parameter sets the angle between a straight line from the fixed leading edge and trailing edge and the centerline where positive angle moves the trailing edge inward and negative angle moves the trailing edge outward. Again, if you choose to modify the trailing edge closure, the original, unmodified reference edge is used for Angle.
The Body of Revolution component is effectively a wing-type body that is under a loop design mode where the first and last section are coincident and the surfaces are all symmetric about the centerline axis. Similar to a wing component, the U parameter follows the ‘root’ or start of the cross-section location and goes around the center axis on the surface. For hollow BoR geometries, the W location follows the convention of first marching along the inside of the part toward the leading edge and then along the outside of the part toward the trailing edge. Otherwise, when setting Upper or Lower design policy, the W location marches from the trailing edge (aft) to the leading edge (forward).
The Body of Revolution component is very handy when you want to make an axisymmetric shape based on a single cross-section. Some examples include engine nacelles, complex tanks or stores, or even unconventional shapes like a candlestick or football. Note that by definition, you may not adjust or ‘squash’ this component to make a more realistic engine nacelle. This component is purely axisymmetric similar to a “Revolve” CAD operation.
The Cross-Section Viewer window enables visualization of a normalized representation of the cross-section profile you have selected. In some cases, this is useful for verifying that the model representation on the screen is true to the underlying curve. This feature is also very useful for matching known cross-section profiles to your designed curves. Note that you can change the color of the cross-section line and also insert images into the XSec View background to closely match known sections or photos.
OpenVSP maintains uniqueness for all parameters in all components of every model. You can quickly view the details of every accessible parameter in your model by clicking on the Name of that parameter in the GUI box. For example, to view the Span parameter of a Wing component, click “Span” in the Sect tab. You can use the information shown to identify the Name, Group, Max/Min, etc. as well as Links and Advanced Links for that parameter. OpenVSP also allows you to quickly populate variable selection areas by dragging-and-dropping the variables. You only need to click and drag the variable name (button) to the variable selection or add region and then drop. VSP will either automatically select or add the parameter depending on where you drop. This feature is exceptionally useful for variable selection operations within Design Variables, Variable Presets, and Linking.
