Computational modelling of aerodynamic characteristics of airships in arbitrary motion

The ultimate aim of this work is to develop a framework for integrating the modelling of the unsteady aerodynamics and the dynamics of a moving airship in a free or controlled motion. This effort requires the coupling of a flow model and a six-degree of freedom (6-DOF) dynamics. The work deliberates on the computational modeling of the aerodynamic characteristics of an airship configuration in a steady flow complete with hull, fins and gondola using both Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes (RANS) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES). While the computed results show similar trends when compared against available experimental data there are differences in the predicted values of aerodynamic characteristics over certain range of angles of attack using different models and methods. The computation of unsteady aerodynamic response of an airship moving in a prescribed path entering and leaving a prescribed gust band is also addressed to set the stage for exploring arbitrary dynamical motion of airships to disturbances in the atmosphere.