Computation of gust induced responses of an air taxi by using Navier-Stokes equations

Abstract

An air taxi's flight in a gust environment is simulated by using the Navier-Stokes equations time-accurately coupled with structural equations of motion. Gusts are numerically simulated using oscillating vanes similar to a wind tunnel experiment. The configuration is modeled using overset grid topology. Computational results of gust modeling are validated with wind tunnel testing. Aerodynamic responses are validated with the linear theory. Gust-induced structural responses are simulated for a Lift+Cruise air taxi with eight lifting propellers and two pushing propellers. The present work extends the capabilities of the current Navier-Stokes solvers to design urban air taxi configurations for gust environments.