OpenVSP Ground School Content Updates

Hey everyone!

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to get back into full production mode for the site so I apologize for the lack of content recently. Planning for the remaining chapters is going well and I’ve been able to record lots of new tutorials which will be uploaded to new pages soon.

For starters, I’ve gone back and added introductory material to the Propeller topics that should clear up casual browsing of tutorials and enable the site’s search function to locate topics of interest easier. I’ve also updated the Rounded Rectangle Basics and Behaviors to reflect updates with version 3.24. There’s a new cross-section tutorial on the updated Wedge airfoil so check those out too.

Content for Chapter 2: Modeling and Designing Intent is well underway and you should expect to have lots of new topics to browse soon. The videos are all recorded and I’m working on publishing the pages now. Topics covered include Sets, Design Variables, Variable Presets, User Parameters, Linear Parameter Linking, and more! While the production of these subjects wraps, I’ll be generating content on model analysis including multiple detailed tutorials on VSPAERO for Chapter 3.

Finally, we are in the process of updating the information for the fully virtual (and free) 2021 OpenVSP Workshop including the technical schedule and links to the YouTube Live session on the OpenVSP Videos channel. Because many of the fundamental demonstrations were covered and recorded last year, we are focusing on more technical demonstrations this year along with unique research modeling applications, updates, and feature additions. We hope to see you there!

New Content Production Underway

Hi, everyone!

Sorry for the lack of new content recently. The team and I have been organizing the subjects for Chapters 2 through 5 so that we have a good layout for future topics. If we rush this step, there is a high likelihood that we will have to restructure the pages which will break any shortcuts or links that you may have set up. However, I wanted to check in with everyone and let you know that there are several topics in production now including VSPAERO, Parasite Drag, Sets, Linking, and the Curve Editor function.

Thank you all for your patience as we work to bring you quality tutorials and instruction.  Stay safe and well!

-OpenVSP Ground School Admins

Current Chapter One Example Files Uploaded

I’ve uploaded a new zipped folder with the new Ground School Chapter One example files to the download page.  All of the Chapter One examples should be included in this file (2-1-21) so you’ll have the pre-built models for following the demos.

Expect changes to the individual topic pages providing more detailed walkthroughs, calling out the specific example file, etc.

Thanks!

Propeller Uploads: Chapter One Videos Complete (-ish)

Hi, everyone!

I’m pleased to announce that the Propeller component video tutorials are up on the Ground School website.  This means that the Chapter One video content is effectively complete!  There are a few top-level topics to add yet such as how to navigate the training content and how to access the example files.  I’ll get to those in a bit.  I also need to write up the topic introductions for the Propeller pages so you have some context before starting.  For now, I hope that you are enjoying the tutorials and finding them useful!  Throughout the process of making these videos, I’ve learned a great deal about each VSP component including some of the little nuances and handy behaviors that make them shine.  Even after more than 6 years of using this amazing tool, I’m still surprised at the versatility.

As we organize the new team and get production of new content running, expect to have lots more updates for the remaining Chapters.  Modeling design intent, running analyses, working with other tools, scripting, and other advanced topics are but a small sample of what’s to come.

I’d like to say ‘Thank you’ to Rob McDonald, Justin Gravett, and Dave Kinney for their support over the last year and for being patient with me as I dove into the details of component behaviors.  I’d also like to thank Ted Sidehamer and the folks at NASA LaRC Sites for providing the framework and guidance for developing the website.  Finally, many thanks to NASA’s Transformation Tools and Technologies (TTT) Project for funding this effort over the last year and for continuing to support this resource for the VSP community!

See you soon and thank you!

Cross-Section Details Added

I’ve added several new videos covering cross-section details and controls.  These tutorials will hopefully provide some guidance, background, and best practices when choosing and designing your sections.  A list of the new content can be found on the Cross-Section Details page.

Coming Soon: New tutorials covering the Propeller component!