PANUKL
PANUKL
Version ENG
V1
1
Index
1. Foreword ......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2. Brief PANUKL software description – main subprograms and their functionalities ........... 10
2. Installation process........................................................................................................................ 24
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3.3. Data flow In PANUKL during the computation process ....................................................... 53
4. Suplement ..................................................................................................................................... 54
4.2. Creation of complex computational grids – CONNECT TWO GRIDS option ....................... 57
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1. Foreword
PANUKL 2002 can be used for aerodynamic computation of an aircraft, using low cost panel
methods. This is the continuation of set of programs (PANeli UKLad 96) being developed in the
middle 90ties of past century. The most important changes were made in 2001-2002. Program is still
being developed.
Below one can find theoretical basis and description of main program functionalities. User
manual will guide through program installation and usage.
- angle of attack
- full velocity potential
- doublet strength
- air density
- source strength
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1.1.2. Introduction
The develop of CFD methods and big increase of the computers power caused, that Euler or
Navier-Stockes models are used more often and potential methods could be seen as obsolete.
However potential methods, despite many simplification are still the attractive tool [1,2,3]. Low cost
and fact, that they are relatively easy to apply compensate their disadvantages and lower accuracy.
The most important assumptions made for physical model definition are that fluid is inviscid
and irrotational (except vortex wake). The viscidity effect is simulated by Kutta-Joukowski boundary
condition, what could be interpreted that circulation on the trailing edge is equal to zero.
- continuity equation:
+ div(V) = 0 (1)
t
- Eulera equation:
V 1
+ (V grad) V = grad p (2)
t
- state equation:
p = p ( ) (3)
Because fluid is irrotational (rot V = 0) the scalar function, called velocity potential can be defined and
the following condition is satisfied:
1
( + V )2 = (5)
a t x
= 0 (6)
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1.1.4. Computational method
Computational method strongly depends on the way of aircraft body modeling. The model
defined in chapter 1.1.3 concerns only flow and doesn’t define the object. Generally two methods are in
use. In the first method the body of aircraft is modeled using thin surfaces. The second method uses
three dimensional model of the aircraft body. PANUKL 2002 package bases on the low order panel
method, where the Dirichlet problem is solved (Hess method [7]). The quadrangle panels are used. The
flat vortex wake, parallel to the free stream velocity or parallel to chord is assumed.
The base of the method is solution of the Laplace equation for the full velocity potential.
2 0; (7)
1 1
x, y, z
1 1
dS
4 BODY WAKE n r
dS
4 BODY r
(8)
1 1 1 1
dS dS 0
4 BODY WAKE n r 4 BODY r
(9)
where:
( x, y)
0; (13)
x
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Fig. 1 – Approximation of the body surface by panel elements
and assuming, that the velocity potential inside the body i is equal to velocity potential in infinity
the integral equation is derived in form (9). The approximation of the aircraft body surface by flat panels
allows to approximate the equation (9) by system of linear algebraic equations with unknown doublet
strength (constant for panel):
N Nw N
Ck k + Cl l + Bk k = 0
k =1 l =1 k =1
(14)
1 1 1 1
Ck dSk ; Bk dSk (15)
4 S1234 n rk 4 S1234 rk
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The source strength (constant for panel), can be defined (using definitions (10) , (11) and
boundary condition of the closed body i/n=0) as follows:
n V (16)
It will result in a set of equation with the doublet strength as the unknown. To determine the doublet
strength on the vortex wake, the Kutta-Joukowsky condition is used:
The doublet strength on the wake is equal to difference between doublet strength on the upper and
lower surface close to the trailing edge. Using (17), the doublet strength on the wake can be obtained
from formula:
W = U - L (18)
The formula (18) completes the set of equations (14). Only integrals (15) have to be determined.
Effective method of determination of these integrals is shown in [6] and [7].
The solution of set (14) gives the potential distribution on the body surface. To obtain the
pressure distribution, necessary to obtain the global aerodynamic coefficients, the velocity distribution
must be found. It can be made by differentiation of the potential with respect to defined tangential
coordinates. Next using Bernoulli’s theorem the pressure can be computed. The numerical
differentiation in general case is not easy and can be the source of errors, especially in places, where the
grid is not regular.
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The aerodynamic loads can be obtained as follows:
- lift force
N
Pz piSi ni z (19)
i 1
- drag force
N
Px piSi ni x (20)
i 1
- pitching moment
N N
M y piSi xini z piSizini x (21)
i 1 i 1
The lateral load components (Py, Mx, Mz) can be computed in similar way if we define lateral
components of airspeed. It must be underlined, that drag force obtained from (20) can be very
inaccurate. The potential methods cannot give reliable results of aerodynamic drag. Package PANUKL
2002 computes the induced drag coefficient by use of Trefz method.
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1.2. Brief PANUKL software description – main subprograms and their
functionalities
PANUKL 2002 application is composed of three main subprogram groups. In first group we
can find data preparation programs. In second group we can find programs to process and compute
data. The last group is the managing program where we can watch obtained results and make
appropriate changes and modifications.
o MS Windows (2000/XP/Vista),
GRIDVIEW
All of PANUKL 2002 subprograms can be executed from GRIDVIEW – PANUKL’s managing
application (for detailed description go to chapter 3). From CREATE menu (one of the managing
application menus) we can access to subprograms. We can also run subprograms from command
line. Each subprogram needs a configuration file (see below). The correct order is necessary during
computation process.
4. PRESS – pressure distribution and global aerodynamic results solver (Press.exe name.prs).
MESH
MESH subprogram is being used to create grid (made from quadrangle panels) describing
aircraft body. To create grid file [name.INP] user must prepare correct input files:
main aircraft geometry description file [name.MS2] (contains aircraft reference data,
information about wing, tail , fuselage overall geometry),
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1.2.3. Main computational subprograms – NEIGH, PANUKL and PRESS
NEIGH
NEIGH subprogram is being used to calculate neighboring panel numbers. Additionally it
extends grid with wake grid panels. The input file for NEIGH is [name.INP] - grid geometry file.
Configuration file is [name.NGH]. The output file with grid and wake panels is [name.DAT].
PANUKL
PANUKL subprogram computes influence factors, missing geometrical data and solves system
of equations. As a result we get velocity potential distribution. PANUKL subprogram input
parameters like angle of attack or angular velocities are read from [name.PAR] configuration file.
The results are saved to [name.PAN] output file which is an input for PRESS subprogram.
Creating [name.PAN] output file can last long and it is the most CPU consuming process.
PRESS
PRESS subprogram computes pressure distribution over the aircraft body by differentiating
the velocity potential distribution. Additionally we can obtain global aerodynamic coefficient values,
downwash distribution and inducted drag in Trefz plane. PRESS subprogram input parameters are
read from [name.PRS] configuration file. The results are saved to three output files (for more
information go to chapter 1.3.2).
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1.3. Input data
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File [name.f] – fuselage geometry – file description
# - comment line (not necessary)
Yellow marked section def. points belong to 3 independent stringers (Fig. 5), their coordinates are
the same outside the area where wing or horizontal tail penetrates fuselage.
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Fig. 5 – Fuselage geometry definition
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Fuselage geometry is described with fuselage frames/ sections.
The stringer which intersects the first leading edge or wing/ horizontal tail point, separates into
two extra stringers which pass round the wing. Those extra stringers are defined in fuselage
geometry file and they are count to the max. stringer number for current fuselage.
Point numbering order is not the same for frames and stringers, Fig. 5
Y coordinate for the first and last point on a single frame/ section must be the same.
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File [name.ms2] – complete aircraft model – file description
# - comment line (not necessary)
15
0 # current section number (INTEGER)
nac65006.prf
4.09
8.96 2.21 0.94 section - 2
0.00 0.00 0.00
1
nac65004.prf
1.60
13.90 4.31 0.73 section - 3
0.00 0.00 -2.03
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0 0.5 1.25 2.5 5 7.5 10 15 20 30 40 50 60 74 90 100
# wing chord distribution [%MAC] there are additional option available:
linear 15 – equal length distribution
cosine 15 – cosine distribution
end_wing # wing No. „0” end section – main wing
# WING SECTION – WING „1”
begin_wing1 # wing No. „1” – start section, in this example it is horizontal tail
1 The description is the same as in the wing No. “0”
1
…
end_wing # wing No. „1” – end section – horizontal tail
# WING SECTION – WING „2”
begin_wing2 # wing No. „2” – start section, in this example it is vertical tail
The description is the same as in the wing No. “0”
1
0 # 0 – no intersection (fuselage is fixed to the first rib of the vertical tail,
V-tail rib No. „0” is outside the fuselage geometry)
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3
nac65006.prf
5.00
10.58 0.00 1.52
90.00 0.00 0.00
1
nac65006.prf
3.54
12.57 0.00 2.25
90.00 0.00 0.00
3
nac65004.prf
1.93
15.69 0.00 4.35
90.00 0.00 0.00
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unknown # undefined V-tail chord distribution
(program will set it automatically)
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bottom # key word „bottom” or „top” means that the current wing has got only
bottom or top surface (it applies only to vertical wings – vertical tail,
etc., the other half of the wing is created as a mirror copy
end_wing # wing No. „2” – end section – vertical tail
# WING SECTION – WING „3”
begin_wing3 # wing No. „3” – start section, in this example it is wing end plate
2 The description is the same as in the wing No. “0”
0
0
3
…
end_wing # wing No. „3” – end section – wing end plate
# FUSELAGE SECTION
begin_fuselage # beginning of the fuselage section
1 # 1 – fuselage is defined,
0 – fuselage does not exist (the rest of this section can be omitted)
test_01.f # fuselage geometry file name
7 # fuselage extra sections/ frames (set automatically)
9.9 10.5 11.3 11.6 11.9 12.3 12.6 # extra section/frame X coordinate
end_fuselage # end of fuselage section
# CONNECTIONS SECTION
begin_connections # the beginning of horizontal connections section
1 # number of connections (when 0 the rest of this section can be omitted)
2 1 0 0 0 15 1 # connecting V-tail (wing no. 2) with H-tail (wing No. 1), values
description:
2 – wing number – V-tail (begin_wing2)
1 – wing number – H-tail (begin_wing1)
0 – V-tail rib number which is connected with H-tail: 0 – first, 1 – last
0 – H-tail rib number which is connected with V-tail: 0 – first, 1 – last
0 – H-tail stringer number which is connected with V-tails leading edge
15 – H-tail stringer number which is connected with V-tails trailing edge
1 – H-tail surface which will be modified:
0 – bottom surface, 1 – top surface
end # the end of horizontal connections section
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0 – vertical wing stringer number which will be connected with
horizontal wing leading edge
16 – vertical wing stringer number which will be connected with
horizontal wing trailing edge
1 – vertical wing surface which will be modified:
0 – outside surface, 1 – inside surface
end # the end of vertical connections section
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Fig. 6 – The example of „independent” wing creation method (see wing No. 0 definition above in text)
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1.3.2. Output data file description
File [name.OUT]
Global aerodynamic results:
# - comment line
in body axis system: # global results for current object in body axis system
Cx = -0.0488533498
Cy = -0.000400980979
Cz = 0.757529054
Cl = 0.000270848351
Cm = -0.303237661
Cn = 0.000253265641
in stability axis system: # # global results for current object in stability axis system (related to ¼ MAC)
Cz = 0.758904277
Cx = 0.0173555587
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File [name.TXT]
The results for pressure coefficient, velocity, source or doublet distribution etc. (for each panel
of aircraft body) are placed in a single TXT file (easy to use file in most graph software ):
Fig. 7 – Pressure coefficient distribution for current aircraft body – example results.
Data saved in *.TXT file
File [name.EPS]
Wing downwash/ angle of deviation results (see chapter 3.1.4):
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File [name.BLN and name.EPS]
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File [name.CZY]
Aerodynamic coefficients distribution over the wing – results, (Y, Cz, Cm, Cxi, Si, Ci):
Fig. 11 – Example results – Lift coefficient distribution vs. wing span (results from *.CZY file)
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2. Installation process
PANUKL software is made for PCs with Microsoft – Windows 2000/ Windows XP/
Windows Vista software. Additionally it will work on Linux based platforms.
Before installation process user must download the latest version of PANUKL software
suitable for current operating system. For latest version of program go to:
http://itlims.meil.pw.edu.pl/zsis/pomoce/PANUKL/panukl.htm - Files to download – card.
Step 1) Download the: Panukl_Setup.zip archive file and unpack its content to a free folder on
your hard drive.
Step 3) Click NEXT button and choose the destination folder for PANUKL software to install to.
The default setting is C:\Program Files\Panukl. Click BROWSE button to change the default
installation folder Fig. 13.
Click CANCEL button to stop installation. To go to previous installation window click BACK.
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Fig. 13 – Destination Folder selection
Step 4) In next installation setup window, user can select the PANUKL software components to
install (or not) Fig. 14. XFOIL and FUSELAGE components are not essential to run PANUKL.
Step 5) In next installation setup window user is asked to select Start Menu folder for program’s
shortcuts. Additionally one can choose program’s start icon to create on Desktop and in Quick
Launch Bar Fig. 15.
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Fig. 15 Fig. 16
Step 6) After selecting available options, setup displays review window. Click INSTALL button
to proceed with the installation. To end installation process click FINISH button Fig. 17.
Fig. 17 Fig. 18
PANUKL first start) To start program click GridView [3] PANUKL icon.
During the first start /panukl subfolder will be created In users home folder. The *.ini and *.log files
will be stored in there. Additionally user will be asked to create DATA subfolders: /DAT & /OUT.
The proper DATA subfolder structure is essential to work with PANUKL. User can create subfolder
structure also in GridView managing subprogram [3.1.6].
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2.2. PANUKL installation guide in LINUX
Step 1) Download the: Panukl_Setup.zip archive file and unpack its content to a free folder on
your hard drive.
Step 2) When PanuklLinux.zip archive is unpacked, run installation script with: „sh
PanuklSetup.sh” command.
When script is run from user level, PANUKL will install to /home/username/panukl.
Additionally the desktop icon will be created for GridView – managing application.
When script is run from root level, PANUKL will install to /usr/local/panukl.
Additionally the symbolic panukl start link will be created in /usr/local/bin.
PANUKL first start) To start PANUKL type panukl in terminal window – the desktop icon will be
created during the first start.
During the first start /panukl subfolder will be created In users home folder. The *.ini and *.log files
will be stored in there. Additionally user will be asked to create DATA subfolders: /DAT & /OUT.
PANUKL Requirements) GLIBC ≥ 2.3, libXft.so.2, libXext.so.6, additionally XFOIL program requires
Fortran 77 libraries. Some of the new LINUX distributions need compat-libf2c. To run XFOIL program
from GridView managing application, interface install xterm software.
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3. Working with PANUKL
To change program window size use standard WINDOWS buttons. User can access the particular
program functions from drop down managing application MENU.
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Available options in FILE menu)
Function Description
Open grid file
Open grid file *.inp, from user selected disc location, Fig. 21.
[Ctrl+O]
Open grid file with Wake Open grid file with wake *.dat, from user selected disc
[Alt+Ctrl+O] location.
Open pressure distribution file Open output *.txt file with pressure distribution for current
[Alt+Ctrl+T] analyzed body (for each grid panel).
Open and show results file Open and show global results *.out file in external
window,
Fig. 23.
Exit
End program, exit application.
[Alt+X]
File selection Windows can be different dependent on the current operating software version,
window looks does not influence PANUKL’s functionality.
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Fig. 22 – Save to graphic file current PANUKL window
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3.1.2. DRAW menu description
Function Description
Redraw (1:1)
Redraw current object in main application window.
[F5]
Enlarge
Zoom in viewport (in main application window).
[+]
Reduce
Zoom out viewport (in main application window).
[-]
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3.1.3. DATA menu description
In DATA menu user can find subprograms that are part of the PANUKL application. Now there
is only one subprogram FUSELAGE DATA which can help to create fuselage geometry file [name.f].
For more information on FUSELAGE DATA go to chapter 4.2.
CREATE menu is the most important menu in PANUKL. User can perform the complete
computational session with functions from CREATE menu for current analyzed object (aircraft).
Function Description
This command will run Mesh.exe, PANUKL application
component. User will be asked to point input file (complete
Create grid file
aircraft geometry file*.ms2). Based on input file the output
*.inp, geometry gird file will be created, Fig. 28.
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Fig. 28 – Creating grid file for current input geometry data
Function Description
This command will run Neigh.exe, PANUKL application
component. User will be asked to point input grid file (*.inp).
Based on input geometry file the output *.dat, gird with wake
Create grid file with the
file will be created, Fig. 29.
neighbours
Run Create grid file with the neighbours and select saved configuration file *.ngh – file contains all
necessary information to create *.dat file. To open selected *.ngh file click OPEN button.
Configuration window will appear (Fig. 30) where one can see saved *.dat file creation options. To
generate *.dat file click Save and Compute (ok) button.
Option No. 2 – we do not have saved on disk configuration file *.ngh, Fig. 29
Run Create grid file with the neighbours and click CANCEL button when prompted for saved
configuration file *.ngh. The configuration window will appear (Fig. 30) where user can select options
to create *.dat file. To save current *.dat options to *.ngh file click Save [*.ngh] file as, to create
*.dat file click Save and Compute (ok) button.
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Fig. 29 – Creating *.dat file (grid with wake)
Setting Description
Length of the wake
Length of the wake (MAC multiplication)
(MAC multiplication)
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2 – Wake with downwash due to sideslip of attack
3 – Wake parallel to the free stream
4 , 5, 6 – Wake with the same effect as in cases 1-3
but only for last wake panels
Trailing edge angle. If the angle between two trailing edge grid
Trailing edge angle [deg] panels is lower or equal to defined value, than wake line will
be created from such trailing edge.
Angle of attack [deg] Angle of attack (taken into account during wake creation).
Sideslip angle [deg] Sideslip angle (taken into account during wake creation).
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Function Description
This command will run Panukl.exe, PANUKL application
component. User will be asked to point input grid with wake
file (*.dat). Based on input file the output *.pan, file will be
Compute doublet
created.
distribution
Run Compute doublet distribution and select saved configuration file *.par – file contains all
necessary information to create *.pan file. To open selected *.par file click OPEN button.
Configuration window will appear (Fig. 33) where one can see saved *.pan file creation options. To
generate *.pan file click Save and Compute (ok) button.
Option No. 2 – we do not have saved on disk configuration file *.par, Fig. 32
Run Compute doublet distribution and click CANCEL button when prompted for saved configuration
file *.par. The configuration window will appear (Fig. 33) where user can select options to create
*.pan file. To save current *.pan options to *.par file click Save [*.par] file as, to create *.pan file
click Save and Compute (ok) button.
Panukl.exe computes influence factors and solves system of equations. As a result we get velocity
potential distribution. It is the most time and CPU consuming process. The computations can last
long . Computation time rises to the third power with generated grid panels.
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Fig. 32 – Creating *.pan file
Setting Description
Linear equation solver selection:
- LAPACK optimized procedure (default)
Linear equation solver
- not optimized procedure (more time consuming
procedure but more accurate)
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Mach Number Mach number
Function Description
This command will run Press.exe, PANUKL application
component. User will be asked to point input velocity
potential distribution file (*.pan). Based on input file the
output *.out, *.txt & *.eps, files will be created.
Run Compute pressure distribution and select saved configuration file *.prs – file contains all
necessary information to create output result files – *.out, *.txt, *.eps. To open selected *.prs file
click OPEN button. Configuration window will appear (Fig. 35) where one can see saved *.prs file
creation options. To generate output files click Save and Compute (ok) button.
Option No. 2 – we do not have saved on disk configuration file *.prs, Fig. 34
Run Compute pressure distribution and click CANCEL button when prompted for saved configuration
file *.prs. The configuration window will appear (Fig. 35) where user can select options to create
output files – *.out, *.txt, *.eps. To save current output files options to *.prs file click Save [*.prs]
file as, to create output files click Save and Compute (ok) button.
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Fig. 34 – Creating output result files: *.out, *.txt, *.eps
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Setting Description
Range of panel’s indices used The values are the numbers of the first and the last panel
for pressure calculation which will be taken into account for pressure computations.
X coordinate’s range used for X coordinate’s range used for pressure calculation (global
pressure calculation aerodynamic coefficients).
X component of pressure
X component of pressure taken into account for pitching
taken into account for
moment calculation.
pitching moment calculation
Calculation metod (0-8) 0 – average from two out four of described below methods,
1 – collocation method – with polynomial:
φ(x,y)=Ax2y2+Bx2y+Cxy2+Dxy+Ex2+Fy2+Gx+Hy+I,
2 – collocation method (omitting point on current panel)
– with polynomial:
φ(x,y)=Bx2y+Cxy2+Dxy+Ex2+Fy2+Gx+Hy+I,
3 – approximation with polynomial:
φ(x,y)=Bx2y+Cxy2+Dxy+Ex2+Fy2+Gx+Hy+I,
4 – approximation with polynomial:
φ(x,y)=Dxy+Ex2+Fy2+Gx+Hy+I,
5 – method 1, 2 i 3,
6 – method 1, 2 i 4,
7 – method 1, 3 i 4,
8 – (default) method 2, 3 i 4.
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Downwash (angle of deviation) computations:
Downwash calculation:
None – downwash is not computed
(result *.eps file is not created),
YZ plane – downwash results are computed in OYZ plane,
XZ plane – downwash results are computed in OXZ plane,
Z boundary coordinates of
Z boundary coordinates of downwash mesh.
downwash mesh:
Function Description
Click to run PANUKL’s application feature which enables user to
Connect two grids
connect input grids, [4.1].
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Fig. 36 – Configuration window – Correct Neighbours
In XFOIL menu user can find functions which can help to analyze aerodynamic airfoils (used
in wing geometry definition) using XFOIL program. To use it wisely user must have basic knowledge
about XFOIL program.
Function Description
Click to run external XFOIL program (must be installed [2.1]).
Interactive mode Standard program window will appear (Fig. 38), XFOIL is ready
to work.
Interactive mode for stored Click to run XFOIL for specified *.dat file (Fig. 38). *.dat file
wing section geometry contains coordinates of an airfoil to be analyzed.
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Fig. 38 – External XFOIL program window & *.dat file selection window
Function Description
Computing basic aerodynamic characteristics for an airfoil:
CL-lift, CD-drag, CM-moment, versus angle of attack and
Reynolds & Mach number. (airfoil geometry saved to *.dat
Polar calculation file).
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Fig. 39 – Polar calculations setup window
44
Fig. 41 – Selecting result file with aerodynamic characteristics for an airfoil
When *.txt file is loaded: Show Drag polar, Show Lift coefficient, Show Moment coefficient
functions turn active.
45
Function Description
Click to convert *.prf PANUKL airfoil geometry file to *.dat
Conversion *.prf to XFOIL
airfoil XFOIL file (Fig. 43).
46
3.1.6. TOOLS menu description
Function Description
Click to display window where user can select path for input
Files location
and output files, (Fig. 45).
Click CREATE SUBDIRS button to automatically create proper directory structure for PANUKL’s input
and output data. . Click SAVE button to save options.
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Function Description
Click to show window where user can change the way
Image options
PANUKL displays geometry grid model in main
[O]
GUI window, (Fig. 46).
Function Description
Click to display window where user can adjust image translation
Image translation
options, (Fig. 47).
Function Description
Click to display window where user can adjust options
Color map
for graphic representation of results, (Fig. 48).
48
Fig. 48 – Graphic representation of results setup window
Function Description
Click to display window where user can adjust JPEG picture
JPEG parameters
capture quality and options, (Fig. 49).
Function Description
Save options [Shift+Ctrl+S] Click to save current JPEG options.
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3.1.7. HELP menu description
Function Description
Manual
Click to display the manual document for PANUKL.
(F1)
50
3.2. Computational procedure – diagram
51
Fig. 53 – Option No. 2 – simplified computational procedure (user has got input grid and all necessary configuration files)
52
3.3. Data flow In PANUKL during the computation process
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4. Suplement
From CREATE menu choose CONNECT TWO GRIDS option (Fig. 55). It will be used to connect
saved on disc two grid files with wake[name.dat – file].
This program function enables user to create complicated model grids assembled from more than
one object. Additionally we can create non symmetrical model grids.
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How it Works ?
Option 1 – we do have configuration *.con file, Fig. 57
Run CONNECT TWO GRIDS and select saved configuration file *.con – file contains all necessary
information to create *.dat file (which will be an assembly of two existing grids). To open selected
*.con file click OPEN button. Configuration window will appear (Fig. 58) where one can see saved
*.dat file creation options. To generate *.dat file click Save and Compute (ok) button.
Run CONNECT TWO GRIDS and click CANCEL button when prompted for saved configuration file
*.con. The configuration window will appear (Fig. 59) where user can select options to create *.dat
file. To save current *.dat creation options to *.con file click Save [*.con] file as, to create *.dat file
click Save and Compute (ok) button.
55
Fig. 59 – CONNECT TWO GRIDS main options
Function Description
Offset coordinates (in input
Offset coordinates (in input master coordinates system) – X, Y, Z
master coordinates system)
56
4.2. Creation of complex computational grids – CONNECT TWO GRIDS
option
The program PANUKL in the newest version offers the possibility of creating complicated
computational grids and asymmetrical grids. The whole procedure of creating is based on the
function – CONNECT TWO GRIDS [4.1].
Below we can find an example procedure of creating complicated grid file with use of
components – *.dat geometry files.
How it is made ?
Step 1
Fig. 61 – *.dat file – first part of the complicated grid file (wing part, fuselage, tail)
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Create first geometry file „01.dat” . File will contain symmetrical fuselage with wing part and
complete tail unit. The „01.dat” file must have vortex wake generated.
Important note: The wing part cannot be closed with rib because the next grid part will be
connected to it. In aircraft *.ms2 definition file choose: 0 – don’t close wing with rib Fig. 62.
Step 2
Fig. 62 – *.dat file – next part of the complicated grid file (wing & nacelle part – left side)
Next geometry „02_L.dat” file contains right nacelle part, part of wing (not closed with rib)
and generated wake. Not symmetrical grids can be made by changing the proper flag in *.ms2 file
section. Nacelle is made similarly like fuselage.
Important note: Changing the proper flag in MAIN FILE SCTION in *.ms2 file [1.3.1], we can easily
create (not symmetrical) left or right side of model/ body.
Step 3
Fig. 63 – *.dat file – next part of the complicated grid file (wing end & nacelle part – right side)
Next geometry „03_L.dat” file contains left nacelle part and right wing ending. The „03.dat”
file must have vortex wake generated.
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Right side of the object is made similarly!
Step 4
When we have all grid elements, we are ready to connect them into one complicated grid file.
We will use CONNECT TWO GRIDS [4.1] function. To connect grids properly we need to know their
exact position in global coordinate system.
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Fig. 67 – Connect operations number 3
Step 5
After the last connect operation we must check the new grid with – CORRECT NEIGHBOURS
[3.1.4] function to avoid grid errors.
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Important notes:
What we should know before we will start to connect grids.
Connected grid elements cannot be closed and must have the same division, e.g., two wing
grid parts must have in connection area the same airfoil and its chord division and chord
length.
With this connection procedure we can create difficult grids that are not symmetrical.
To make not symmetrical fuselage or nacelle we must remember to have the same number of
sections/ frames for both sides. Section/ frame location must be also the same for both
fuselage or nacelle parts.
Fuselage or nacelle section/ frame number and location must be the same for left and right
part.
Sometimes we can simplify the geometry to connect two grids, e.g. wing body intersection
area.
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4.3. FUSELAGE DATA – external subprogram description
Fuselage geometry file [name.f] from txt [name.w] files. Each file contains frame outline
definition points described by free coordinates.
Fuselage geometry file [name.f] from txt [name.txt] UNIGRAPHICS files. Each UNIGRAPHICS file
contains information about point describing one frame.
Important note: Each fuselage or nacelle section/ frame needs one [name.w] or [name.txt] file with
points describing its geometry. The section/frame point coordinates order in file is free.
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Main program options:
Folder path for input fuselage geometry frame files: [name.w] or [name.txt] files.
Browse button, for input files.
Output fuselage geometry file name and path [name.f].
Browse button, for output file.
CREATE or MODIFY program modes.
Fuselage geometry file – Preview button.
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In this mode we can create fuselage geometry file for PANUKL:
Max. frame number defining fuselage geometry (frame No.0 counts in).
be defined in .
To use [name.txt] UNIGRAPHICS files in section select NX FILES check box and specify
coordinate system for defining frame points: WCS or ABSOLUTE.
In this mode we can modify existing fuselage geometry file. Things we can modify:
Scale fuselage. EQUAL scale FACTORS can be used in every scaling direction (X, Y, Z).
Translate fuselage. Translate to a specified X, Y, Z point location
or delta translate: DX, DY, DZ coordinate increments must be defined.
Translate fuselage only in XZ plane.
Translation type selection.
Click Modify button to accept changes and modify fuselage file.
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4.4. How to export geometry from UG NX system to PANUKL software
Export geometry procedure from UNIGAPHICS NX to PANUKL is only an example what we can
do with available engineering tools. The export procedure can be used for complicated grids.
It enables to export in detail 3D model geometry to PANUKL grid file. It is not optimized procedure it
takes long but it works well.
Below in document you will find a short description of procedure for preparing fuselage
geometry for PANUKL in UNIGRAPHICS NX software. The example can show you the way to create
your own PANUKL’s geometry files: [name.f], [name.ms2] & [name.prf] with a help of any available
CAD tools.
Example procedure
Load 3D model geometry file. Translate geometry if necessary to (0,0,0) point of global
coordinate system (nose of the aircraft is in (0,0,0) point, X axis to back, Y axis to the right
wing, Z axis up).
Trim right half of model with ZX plane. We will not use it.
Fig. 75 – Left half of model in UG NX4, aircraft nose located in (0,0,0) of global coordinate system
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Trim fuselage with scaled wing . (Scale wing geometry for about 30 percent). Hide wing we will
not use it now.
Insert ZY, DATUM PLANES where we will have fuselage frames. It is important to remember
that too many fuselage frames make geometry hard to export to PANUKL. If you have time
and fast CPU insert as many as you want .
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Remember: don’t insert DATUM PLANES where wing trailing & leading edge intersect fuselage.
Fig. 78 – Important note about inserting DATUM PLANES for frames, UG NX4
Use INTERSECTION CURVE (UG NX4) function to create intersection curves where we have
inserted DATUMS. Additionally add curves where the model was trimmed with wing.
We have made our fuselage frames.
Now we need to create points on our frames – use POINT SET/POINTS ON CURVE function.
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Fig. 80 – Model half with points placed on frames, UG NX4
Connected points on frames will create fuselage stringers. If you want to have a very accurate
grid model in PANUKL – create a large number of points.
Number of points on a single frame must be the same for every fuselage frame. The only
exception is fuselage start and end point.
Remember: always think about number of grid panels - if you create more frames more frame
points than the grid in PANUKL will be more complicated and the computations will last longer.
Fig. 81 – Frame point distribution near area where wing intersect fuselage
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In some fuselage areas you will have to adjust the position of points on frame. There are also
locations where you will have to insert more than one frame point in the same place (see Fig. 81).
Well positioned points on frames will create smooth shaped fuselage stringers.
Now we are ready to export all points from each frame to fuselage frame files.
INFORMATION/ OBJECT/ POINT.
Remember: to set proper names to consecutive frames, e.g.: w_1.txt – frame No.1.
than w_2.txt – frame No.2 etc. It will help to avoid mistakes.
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Now when we have all fuselage frame files we can create complete fuselage geometry
file[name.f] ( 4.3).
Important notes:
Fig. 85 – Models prepared with the use of the introduced procedure of the export
of geometry for PANUKL
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Fig. 86 – Models prepared with the use of the introduced procedure of the export
of geometry for PANUKL
Fig. 87 – Models prepared with the use of the introduced procedure of the export
of geometry for PANUKL
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Fig. 88 – Models prepared with the use of the introduced procedure of the export
of geometry for PANUKL
Fig. 89 – Models prepared with the use of the introduced procedure of the export
of geometry for PANUKL
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