VSPAERO Basics

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