The ESDU VGK Toolbox

The initial stages of aircraft design have a significant impact on overall project costs and timelines. For effective and precise predictions, it is essential to utilise methods that are both cost-effective and easily operated in a repetitive manner. Aerodynamic prediction tools for aerofoils are fundamental in the design of aircraft wings, propellers, and helicopter rotor blades. Consequently, there is a strong need for transonic, two-dimensional (2D) aerodynamic prediction codes that are quick, user-friendly, and suitable for optimisation studies across various applications.

The Viscous Garabedian Korn (VGK) 2D aerofoil method is widely utilised and validated. It demands fewer resources than Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) codes whilst delivering comparable accuracy in the normal operating range of an aerofoil.

The ESDU VGK Toolbox is a user-friendly implementation of this important code, run entirely within a web browser, that allows quick and easy access to the full power of the VGK method.

The Toolbox can be found here, and other related ESDU Data Items are to be found in the Transonics Aerodynamics Series, Sections 6a and 6b.

Design of Lugs

A pragmatic and cost-effective approach to material selection and testing using Data Items ESDU 91008 (Strength of lugs under axial load), ESDU 06021 (Strength of lugs under transverse load) and ESDU 08007 (Strength of lugs under oblique load).

Bath-Tub Fittings

Having ESDU Data Items to re-design cracked bath-tub fittings cited in FAA directive "saves company over a million dollars" according to a Senior Engineer.

An example of the use of Data Item ESDU 84039, "Strength of angles and club-foot fittings (transmitting tensile loads)"

ESDU Design Methods for Nuclear Engineers

The nuclear renaissance is spawning renewed interest in finding the most efficient, reliable and effective ways to build, operate, and eventually decommission environmentally safe nuclear facilities. Because of this, there is increasing pressure on nuclear engineers to address issues related to thermo-hydraulics, structural and mechanical design, ventilation systems, noise suppression and environmental impact within the targets set by the latest international standards and codes.

Jet Engine and Fan Noise

An example of the use of Data Item ESDU 98019, "Computer-based estimation procedure for single-stream jet noise. Including far-field, static jet mixing noise database for circular nozzles."