Application of Three-Dimensional Interfaces for Data Transfer in Aeroelastic Computations

A framework of requirements for -structure interfaces is presented and applied to evaluate the qualities of various transfer methods. The Constant-Volume Tetrahedron approach is compared with an inverse Boundary Element Method, both of which are three-dimensional techniques. Advantages of these three-dimensional interfaces over conventional planar interpolation methods (such as the innite-plate spline interpolation) are demon-strated and discussed. Comparisons are based on geometric considerations as well as on results from aeroelastic computations. For calculations, the three-dimensional Eu-ler equations are solved by a nite-volume method coupled with a nite-dierence method for the modal structural equations. The Constant-Volume Tetrahedron approach is more easily implemented as the inverse Boundary Element Method. However, the application of elastic equilibrium in case of the BEM is more physically meaningful than the arbitrary constraint of a constant elemental volume. A detailed comparison of both approaches in terms of implementation and applicability is provided. I.