A fluid approach

Aerospace engineers have started using CFD software earlier and earlier in the design process.

Westland Helicopters is using Fluent CFD simulation software to implement a “virtual” approach to the initial design of a new combat helicopter project. Westland believes it is a “first” for the UK aerospace industry to use CFD at such an early stage to help develop a new aircraft.

As a first step, simulations will be used to help isolate potential designs for further development work. These designs, including the aerodynamic forces they generate, will be fed directly into Westland's Flight Dynamics Simulator (FDS) to examine dynamics during given maneuvers. The results will show if a design's capability to fly under the original flight conditions has been enhanced.