When it comes to improving aerodynamic design, one of the choice methods has always been the use of a wind tunnel. However, designers can now utilize something brand-new to build aerodynamic aircraft digitally. By employing 3D scanning, designers can create aerodynamic designs for a variety of design devices. This technique is called computational fluid dynamics for CFD. It’s currently being used by the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern. Their latest tests combine wind tunnels, field tests, and CFD for a more accurate and innovative approach.
Accuracy, as you can imagine, it is very important for success here, which is why they are using Rapidform XOR for their 3D scanning needs. The system allows the engineers to build on current designs and improve them using a CFD simulation and then building on top of that with the Rapidform XOR mesh data accumulated from the scanning process. It actually has something called a Mesh Buildup Wizard that allows you to create a water tight mesh in an instant by using several different scans that can be merged together. The results are high-quality, accurate, and highly useful.
Accuracy can even be confirmed using the software’s Accuracy Analyzer. This offers feedback that compares the input and output polygon models. Once you’re satisfied with the CAD model that you want, you can use third generation modeling that’s also included in the software. This allows you to make a parametric CAD model based on the polygon model.
All in all, this is very convenient and allows you to accomplish a lot without very much effort. It’s simple and streamlines the design process considerably. Then, engineers can take the information they build in the computer models and utilize it in field tests and wind tunnel tests. It allows them to ensure they’re coming up with the best designs possible by implementing a greater number of tools for the process.
3D scanning takes the design of aerodynamic devices to the next level by combining convenience and accuracy into one package. The Rapidform XOR software is easy to use and intuitive for engineers tasked with creating CAD models. Instead of relying on field tests all the time, engineers can go over a few variables digitally before funneling the time and resources into physical models and tests. It saves time and money, which is the perfect combination for busy engineers.
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