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Motion Model Dependencies in CFD-FASTRAN

Moving-body models available in CFD-FASTRAN are highly suited to simulate complex prescribed and six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) motions of rigid bodies. In many engineering problems, this translates to multiple bodies moving relative to one another. For example, moving control surfaces (canards, fins…) on a missile can be used to maneuver the projectile towards its target. In such situations,

  • The control surface has to move along with the missile
  • It would be preferable to specify the relative motion of control surfaces with respect to the moving missile.

Such simulations can be realized using CFD-FASTRAN’s motion model dependencies, the subject of this note. If you have been curious, but never answered “yes” to the question “Is this motion model dependent upon another motion model?” on the motion model panel, then this note is for you.

The procedure to setup model dependencies itself is very simple.

  1. For each component (missile, fin…), create a separate overset grid system.
  2. After creating the motion models, from the motion model that describes the relative motion, Select “yes” to the question “Is this motion model dependent upon another motion model?”
  3. A list of currently available motion models will be displayed. Choose the model on which the current model will depend (The current model will be grayed out).

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Figure 1. Setup for motion model dependencies. Here, the prescribed motion
model for the control surface (canard) is dependent on the missile body.

A simple demonstration of this feature on a pitching airfoil with flap (Figure 2) can be found here.

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Figure 2.  Pitching airfoil using model dependencies (click image for animation)

Relative motion without model dependencies can also be specified in a prescribed motion model directly as shown in Figure 3.

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Figure 3.   Setup for relation motion without model dependencies.

Please visit our CFD MODEL LIBRARY for other cases using these features.

If you have any questions about this feature or would like us to discuss some other topic in the future, please let us know.

Regards,
Abraham Meganathan
ESI CFD Support Team

 
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