Towards modular aeroelastic simulations : recent developments and applications at ONERA

This paper details current work carried out at ONERA for the development of a modular framework dedicated to the resolution of aeroelastic problems. Historically, an aeroelastic module was implemented inside ONERA’s CFD code elsA, that includes all the necessary components to perform aeroelastic analyses (mesh deformation methods, transfer of loads and displacements, specific simulations drivers). Aeroelastic simulations capabilities within this elsA’s legacy aeroelastic module are however restricted mainly to the coupling with linear elastic structures and multiblock structured aerodynamic grids, as elsA was initially developed for structured meshes. To upgrade the aeroelastic coupling capabilities, some developments have been performed to externalize the different components outside elsA’s kernel. This modular approach offers greater flexibility in terms of coupling and also makes it possible to work not only with elsA but also with other CFD codes, while reusing the same components for coupling. Some recent applications performed in this context will be presented in this paper and some perspectives for the development of advanced modular solvers are finally presented.