Rapid aerodynamic analysis and assessment of an airplane configuration or group of configurations is not possible with time and cost constraints currently imposed. Meanwhile, aerospace industry and government personnel reductions continue (Figure 1). As a result ViGYAN and NASA Langley Research Center recognized the need to develop a software tool that can interrogate available test data to assess configuration effectiveness against multiple objectives in a rapid, accurate, and robust manner. This recognition resulted in NASA Langley funding initial development of an aerodynamic data management and analysis system (DMAS) software tool and ViGYAN has continued development of this tool with internal funding. The database in this tool is structured to optimize data analysis capability rather than just data archive. The initial version of the tool organizes and catalogs wind-tunnel test information previously gathered on various models in different tunnels. A user-friendly graphical interface for database searches, data analysis, and plotting of results is provided. It is anticipated that the system will achieve wide spread acceptance in the aerospace industry and accordingly will have good commercial value when completed. Also, there is significant growth potential for the tool based on the potential offered by the unique database structure it is designed around.

Figure 1. DMAS fulfills data management and analysis need

DMAS fulfills data management and analysis need ViGYAN designed the DMAS system architecture to allow it to evolve into a sophisticated software tool that contains various types of data. The system can currently contain wind-tunnel data including the meta data (run log information) and engineering data. Meta data includes parameters like angle of attack, Mach number, run number, test number, and control surface deflections to run notes, configuration information, test engineer, test objective, etc. The engineering data includes force and moment information from any number of balances and pressure data. Pressure data is stored along with pressure tap locations associated with the various models. An example of the strength of this system is that a search could be done for all cord-wise pressure distributions available at the 50% span location for a particular wing/body combination and flight condition. A more typical search setup is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. DMAS search window, used to setup and initiate a search.

Ultimately DMAS will allow the user the capability to search, display, and aerodynamically evaluate test configurations and variables. Data available from all wind tunnel tests of a particular airplane will be available and can be easily surveyed and evaluated to determine important data or configuration trends. Rapid assessment of the tested configuration(s) will allow earlier, more informed decisions to be made in future aircraft designs and modifications. Ultimately verification of the stability and control simulation databases may be possible through DMAS and development of stability and control simulation databases may also be possible. Typical examples of near term DMAS functions are shown in Figure 3.

Longer term goals include adding CFD results, time history data from flight test and simulation evaluations, graphics and video from wind-tunnels, flight, and simulation, and audio from flight and simulation studies. Ultimately DMAS will be the most powerful single aerodynamic analysis package available.

Further information regarding DMAS may be obtained from:

Richard White
Phone: (757) 865-1400, x202
Email: