I’ve compared these aero analysis tools using a whole variety of criteria. And honestly, there was a lot to absorb.
So how do you even choose the right tool for your project? Here are my recommendations.
The first step is changing your goal. Don’t focus on finding the right tool for your project; find the right tool for your current problem.
Most aircraft will use at least one tool from each category at some point in their design stages, and certainly in their full development lifecycle. Your goal is to find the best-shaped wrench for the task at hand, not the hyper-adjustable crescent wrench for your entire program.
Here’s a few ways to think about what works best when:
- Comparing different configuration variations in a trade study format? You’ll likely be best served by a 3D panel or vortex lattice method code, like AVL or XFLR5.
- Want answers quickly and don’t mind if they’re not super precise? You’ll also want a 3D inviscid code. Alternatively, you could explore using Luminary Cloud or another accelerated CFD solution.
- Evaluating the aerodynamic interactions between a few specific geometric features? You’ll need something that models volumes, such as OpenVSP or a true CFD code.
- Entering your flight test or certification phase and need more precise aerodynamic answers? OpenVSP might work, but you’ll probably need to step up to a true 3D viscous analysis tool so your external stakeholders trust your work.
Cost will be a substantial filter once you know the capabilities you need. You can get pretty far with free tools used intelligently. And honestly, if you’re at the point of needing the higher fidelity of CFD, the value of your product will likely make the license price a no-brainer.
Finally, you’ll want to take into account your team’s expertise and how fast you need to progress. Is it better to go with a tool that’s serviceable but not perfect, because you already have someone proficient in using it? Someone well-versed in a tool can often find crafty ways to get data that’s not explicitly available.
Or, is it worth the extra time and effort for a team member to learn how to use the tool themselves? Remember, that extra time also takes away from other tasks. But maybe that self-education becomes a long-term benefit for the team and company, so in the end it’s worth the effort. Only you can answer that.
There’s a third option: find and pay experts to get the answers you need using the right tools. There are many engineering consulting companies out there with the infrastructure and knowledge to run an analysis for you.
And there are independent consultants—like yours truly—who can do similar analyses, and help translate the results into actionable insights for your team.
Especially if you’re still not even sure what sort of data you need to answer your questions, it never hurts to reach out to an expert for guidance.
If this is you, please get in touch. My inbox is always open.