NASA applications for the Loci/CHEM CFD solver that utilizes the proposed Adjoint methodology span all centers and all programs that incorporate Computational Fluid Dynamics in the design process for space and land vehicles. The highly efficient and accurate solver requires minimal additional computational expense and allows for higher fidelity aerodynamic (force and moment) internal and external predictions for launch vehicles through all ranges of the flight trajectory. The increased accuracy translates to a significant reduction in expensive wind tunnel testing that has traditionally been used for very complex flow scenarios. Examples include plume modeling for jet interaction problems, base heating, plume proximity effects, and modeling of tumble, deceleration, ullage and roll control motors. Another major advantage that this technology offers to NASA is the use of shape optimization features to determine aerodynamic protuberances, nose cones, frustums, control fins, and even optimize nozzle shapes for maximum thrust. Specific applications include NASA's Aircraft Technology Program, Airspace Systems Program, and Subsonic Fixed Wing (SWF) project.
Department of Defense: The Adjoint methodology will aid all Department of Defense (DoD) Project offices that utilize Computational Fluid Dynamics in their design process. Aerodynamic modeling accuracy will be significantly improved for both offensive and defensive missiles, from small man-portable weapons to intercontinental ballistic missile configurations. Additional agencies that will benefit from this technology include (1) Missile Defense Agency for target modeling, (2 Missile and Space Intelligence Center for foreign missile exploitation, and (3) UAV Project Office for low speed modeling of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. This novel grid adaptation scheme integrated into the Loci/CHEM solver will result in a CFD analysis tool superior to all other solvers currently utilized by these agencies. Commercial Companies: Virtually every engineering company that utilizes CFD for fluid dynamics analysis will be interested in the developed technology. The major target markets include companies that support aerospace, biomedical, industrial, and automotive. The international markets also represent a significant opportunity and will be a focus as the technology becomes productized.
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