Recent and anticipated advances in the panel method: The key to generalized field calculations?

Of all the computational fluid mechanics techniques under development for aerodynamic predictions, the panel method is in principle by far the easiest to use. Recent developments are starting to allow complete aircraft problems to be tackled with a considerable degree of realism: coupling with 3D boundary layer calculatons; modeling of leading edge and body vortex flows, prediction and modeling of wing separation allowing estimates of the maximum coefficient of lift to be obtained; more realistic estimation of interference between the wake of a wing and downstream surfaces; allowance for wind-tunnel wall intereference; and the possibility of modeling intake flows and jet entrainment effects. The range of possible aerodynamic applications includes: prediction of the whole range of steady and rate derivatives for stability and control predictions for complete aircraft; store release calculations including full 3D interference effects and the possibility of high-incidence and relative-motion effects on the released store; pylon and missile installation design to minimize drag and store aerodynamic loads; aerodynamic input to flutter calculations with full aircraft modelling, and so on.