Aerodynamic potential-flow code
Aerodynamic Potential Flow Codes
Overview
Potential flow or panel codes are used to determine the velocity and subsequently the pressure distribution on a vehicle. A series of sources and doublets are used to model the panels and wakes respectively. These codes may be valid at subsonic and supersonic speeds.
History
Early panel codes were developed in the late 1960's to early 1970s. Advanced panel codes, such as Panair (developed by Boeing), were first introudced in the late 1970s, and gained popularity as computing speed increased. Over time, panel codes were replaced with higher order methods. However, panel codes are still used for preliminary aerodynamic analysis.
Assumptions
- Inviscid - Irrotational - Steady