An efficient aerodynamic boundary element method for aeroelastic simulations and its experimental validation

An unstructured aerodynamic boundary element method employing panel clustering and iterative solution techniques for efficiency has been implemented. The solver is used in unsteady coupled simulations including applications in subsonic aeroelasticity. In comparison to existing linear methods, it allows more consistent modeling of complex three-dimensional geometries without requiring excessive mesh generation and computational effort. Due to a time-domain approach, simulations involving nonlinear structures or flight dynamics can be performed. A dynamic aeroelastic validation experiment is presented which shows that the solver predicts highly transient, damped aeroelastic motion with good accuracy.