A tool for parametric geometry and grid generation for aircraft configurations

During the early stages of the aircraft design process there is a need to verify the influence of a large number of geometric parameters on the overall configuration. The engineering analyses at this stage might be extremely time-consuming due to the high level of interdependence between the disciplines. Moreover, the processes involved are hardly automated mainly due to difficulties on the interface between the CAD and CAE tools. In order to achieve an efficient design cycle, designers need an environment where geometrical changes can be easily introduced and computational meshes automatically generated, providing full support for the engineering analysis. The scope of this work is to describe a tool that accomplishes these goals. It is based on the integration of CATIA V5 and the family of grid generators Quad/Hexa/Tetra/Prism from Ansys ICEM CFD.