Improved Modeling Tools for High Speed Reacting Flows

The objective of this proposal is to develop and demonstrate a framework for efficient integration of detailed numerical analysis into the design-optimization process. This will be accomplished primarily by developing an objected-oriented architecture specifically designed to book-keep and manipulate surfaces. This work wil build on the developing standards from organizatipons such as the Common Comoponent Architecture Forum (CCA-Forum). The work will integrate Gridpro (a grid generator), VULCAN (CFD code and suite of post-processing tools) and DAKOTA (optimizer toolkit and more) into a single design tool. The tool will then be applied by Pyrodyne to a range of hypersonic applications ranging from combustor design to combined cycle optimization to engine/air fram integration. The underlying architecture will be generic enough to integrate different numercial analysis codes, grid generators, and/or optimizers. Therefore, the tool will be applicable to industries outside the aerospace umbrella, such as automotive industry (reducing vehicle drag). Phase II funding will allow the tool to be developed to a point where it can be marketed not only to the aerospace industry, but to other industries that could benefit from it.