An approximately factored incremental strategy for calculating consistent discrete aerodynamic sensitivity derivatives (Q1335654)

In this study involving advanced fluid flow codes, an incremental iterative formulation (also known as the ``delta'' or ``correction'' form), together with the well-known spatially split approximate factorization algorithm, is presented for solving the very large sparse systems of linear equations which are associated with aerodynamic sensitivity analysis. The methodology is successfully implemented and tested in two dimensions using an upwind, cell-centered, finite volume formulation applied to the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. Results are presented for two sample airfoil problems: (1) subsonic low Reynolds number laminar flow; and (2) transonic high Reynolds number turbulent flow.