Airfoil Data Analysis Software for Rotorcraft Design

NASA is actively working on Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Vehicle Technologies such as the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) project. For the analysis/design of these types of vehicles, rotorcraft tools require aerodynamic properties of the rotor sections over -180 to +180 degrees of angle of attack and wide range of operating conditions covering all flight situations. This large amount of aerodynamic data is typically provided in the form of C81-formatted airfoil aerodynamic coefficient table files. Thus, there is a need to generate these C81-formatted files using an automated computer tool. AVEC proposes the development of a software package for the generation of airfoil aerodynamic data using several analysis tools (XFOIL, OVERFLOW, MSES). In addition, the software will also include a database that allows the interactive visualization and manipulation of the data. The software package will be run using a graphic user interface (GUI) with many capabilities to make the process fast, accurate and cost effective. To this end, AVEC will leverage many tools developed over the last 20 years as part of many projects in aerodynamics and acoustics of propulsion systems, e.g. propellers, ducted fans, etc. In fact, using internal funds over the last ~3 years, AVEC has already started developing a GUI operated database for a large number of airfoil profiles and aerodynamic data. Since the existing GUI already contains some of the features and capabilities requested in the solicitation, Phase I work can provide an efficient use of funds while also focusing specifically on addressing NASA’s requirements. Based on AVEC’s capabilities, experience, and existing tools, a beta version of the software package will be delivered at the end of Phase I.