Evaluation of free and open-source finite element solvers for use in a process chain for aircraft pre-design

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the potential of free and open source finite element solvers in aircraft pre-design pertaining to accuracy of results, performance with respect to memory requirements, exibility, scripting capabilities etc. The best finite element(FE) software package( s) are then chosen based on literature review, range of element libraries and comparing with various benchmark examples which have been solved and analyzed using standard commercial FE programs. Within DLR's leading concept, Das Virtuelle Produkt, the Institute of Structures and Design(BT) contributes to the implementation of multi-disciplinary process chains considering aerodynamics, structural mechanics and ight mechanics for the integrated evaluation of new aircraft designs. It focuses on the modeling and sizing of the fuselage structure under various ight and ground load cases. The process chain consists of a parametric FE tool chain for generating mesh for fuselage models, application of loads and structural sizing of fuselage skin and its reinforcements. Currently, the FE software ANSYS is being used for the generation of meshes and optimization in the tool chain. The idea is to instead use a free/open-source solver for stress analysis, calculation of response surfaces and furthermore.