The AEDC three-dimensional, potential flow computer program. Volume 1: Method and computer program

A complete description of a computer analysis of the potential subsonic flow about complex three-dimensional bodies is presented. The linear, partial differential equation for the compressible velocity gradient is solved for cases where the local Mach number everywhere in the flow field is less than one. The compressible flow equation is transformed, using Goethert similarity parameter, into the equivalent incompressible form represented by Laplace's equation. The solution to the equation is accomplished by representing the body (or model) by a finite number of elements (or singularities). The singularities may be made up of either vortices or sources. The two volumes included in the report give the description of the computer program which is entitled the AEDC Potential Flow Program (PFP) and the computer analysis of several complex bodies. Volume 1 includes a theoretical development of the equations that lead to the set that are programmed in the PFP. A complete description of the computer program is given along with sample input and output from the program.