ELLIPTIC VOLUME GRID GENERATION FOR VISCOUS CFD PARAMETRIC DESIGN STUDIES

This paper presents a robust method for the gen� eration of zonal volume grids of design parametrics for aerodynamic con�gurations. The process utilizes sim� ple algebraic techniques with parametric splines cou� pled with elliptic volume grid generation to generate isolated zonal grids for changes in body con�guration needed to perform parametric design studies. Speed of the algorithm is maximized through the algebraic methods and reduced number of grid points to be re� generated for each design parametric without sacri�cing grid quality and continuity within the volume domain. The method is directly applicable to grid reusability� because it modi�es existing �ow adapted volume grids and enables the user to restart the CFD solution pro� cess with an established �ow �eld. Use of this zonal approach reduces computer usage time to create new volume grids for design parametric studies by an or� der of magnitude � as compared to current methods which require the regeneration of an entire volume grid. A sample con�guration of a proposed Single Stage�to� Orbit Vehicle is used to illustrate an application of this method. Nomenclature I� � streamwise computational direction measured from nose to tail of body J� � circumfrential computational direction measured from top to bottom of body K� � computational direction normal to body surfac