Validation of the CFD code used for determination of aerodynamic characteristics of non-standard AGARD-B calibration model

Abstract

The application of CFD is often motivated by the limitations of measurement techniques, economic limitations, and complex model geometry or, as it is in this case, the unavailability of appropriate test model geometry. CFD was used to assess and evaluate scenario that cannot be investigated experimentally and was shown to be an efficient and economical option to experimental set-up. Because of that, there is a strong need for a validation procedure and assessment of the data obtained by numerical simulation. A combined experimental/numerical procedure is described for determination and estimation of subsonic and supersonic aerodynamic behaviour of an AGARD-B model with a non-standard nose configuration. Conducted numerical aerodynamic calculations needed to be satisfied via experimental tests so, the CFD code validation procedure required experimental data that characterize the distributions of measured aerodynamic forces and moments which act upon the test model. Validation of the CFD was achieved by performing the calculation for the model with the standard nose shape as well, and by comparing the results of the CFD calculations with available experimental data for the model with the standard nose configuration. Comparison demonstrated very good agreement between numerically and experimentally obtained results. It was concluded that the numerical prediction for the similar non-standard model configuration could be accepted as reliable and used to estimate the corrections needed when interpreting the available data. The effects of the different nose shape were found to be small and noticeable mainly in the pitching moment coefficient. This work also demonstrates the application of CFD for the purpose of proving a qualitative and quantitative prediction of the aerodynamics behaviour.