Finite element methodology for modeling aircraft aerodynamics: development, simulation, and validation

In this work, we propose and validate a new stabilized compressible flow finite element framework for the simulation of aerospace applications. The framework is comprised of the streamline upwind/Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG)-based Navier–Stokes equations for compressible flows, the weakly enforced essential boundary conditions that act as a wall function, and the entropy-based discontinuity-capturing equation that acts as a shock-capturing operator. The accuracy and robustness of the framework is tested for various Mach numbers ranging from low-subsonic to transonic flow regimes. The aerodynamic simulations are carried out for 2D and 3D validation cases of flow around the NACA 0012 airfoil, RAE 2822 airfoil, ONERA M6 wing, and NASA Common Research Model (CRM) aircraft. The pressure coefficients obtained from the simulations of all cases are compared with experimental data. The computational results show good agreement with the experimental findings and demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the finite element framework presented in this work for the simulation of aircraft aerodynamics.