A recurring failure in the air intake of supersonic jets has been identified as an aeroelastic vibration problem. This phenomenon, which prevents proper management of the incoming flow, generates instabilities that compromise engine performance and structural integrity. The interaction between compressible airflow and material flexibility causes oscillations that, if uncontrolled, lead to premature component fatigue.
Flow simulation and fatigue analysis with Ansys Fluent and MSC Apex 🚀
To address this challenge, Ansys Fluent is used to model computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the air intake, capturing shock wave patterns and pressure fluctuations that induce vibration. The obtained load data is transferred to MSC Apex, where a material fatigue analysis is performed. This software allows evaluating how cyclic stresses, generated by aeroelastic vibration, degrade the service life of intake panels and ducts. The integration of both programs is key to predicting failures before manufacturing.
3D digitization for precise structural analysis 🔧
RealityCapture plays a crucial role by digitizing real components of the intake system, such as ducts and blades, from photogrammetric scans. These high-fidelity 3D models are imported directly into MSC Apex, improving meshing accuracy and fatigue simulation. By capturing complex geometries and surface defects, uncertainty in results is reduced. This methodology allows engineers to visualize critical vibration zones and optimize the design to mitigate the risk of structural failure in supersonic flight.
What finite element simulation or multiphysics analysis methodologies do you recommend for accurately modeling the coupling between unsteady aerodynamic loads and structural response in supersonic jet intake ducts, considering transonic flow regimes and high-frequency fatigue in composite materials?
(PS: Material fatigue is like yours after 10 hours of simulation.)