We are initiating a new set of articles to discuss aerodynamic performance and its modelling, showcasing our views at Sabe and the approach we take to support our customers in the development of their products and technologies.
In the context of this discussion, aerodynamic performance refers to the resultant forces and moments generated by a body subjected to air flow at different operation conditions, and how these affect the dynamic behaviour of the body.
The aerodynamic development cycle for a given application depends on clear and robust performance metrics to distinguish better from worse. Understanding the meaning of success is the most fundamental step in the process of delivering a project.
Within this series we will discuss how determining reasonable performance metrics is not necessarily a straightforward task. We will discuss the nuances affecting aerodynamic performance modelling, the differences when analysing an application at component level versus at complete system levels. We will consider the roles of experimental testing, computational simulations at different resolution levels and new approaches being unlocked by artificial intelligence techniques.
At Sabe we take a holistic approach to support our clients. Discussions on aerodynamic performance, metrics and modelling are a cornerstone of every project. We tailor our approach, techniques, modelling resolution and resources to generate the best value for our client with the budget available. We will illustrate our approach with examples from the aerospace, motorsport and other high-performance applications.