• Turbulence
• RANS
• Mesh generation
• Grid generation
• Data analysis
• CFD
• Aerodynamics
• Turbulence Modeling

This work describes the development, implementation and preliminary stages of validation of well-known Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models in an aeroelastic framework. The starting point is a high fidelity aeroelastic capability, created within previous collaborative effort within the Computational Aeroelasticity group at San Diego State University and national
US agencies. The framework was particularly well suited for mid-low range Reynolds number problems, thus, natural applications were on MAV and flapping wings. In order to extend the range of application of the framework to higher Reynolds number while maintaining the same architecture and without increasing the computational costs beyond reasonable limits,
different capabilities were developed and added within the present work. In particular, the aerodynamic part of the original code relied mainly on LES, whereas, hybrid RANS/LES and RANS models would strongly enhance the flexibility as described above.
This thesis describes the theory of turbulence and so the idea behind the RANS approach, then it concentrates on the standard RANS models focusing on the k-epsilon model and on the Spalart-Allmaras model. Afterward the flow solver is analysed and the implementation of the RANS models described in details. As very preliminary validation cases, the new capability is used to
simulate the flow over an SD7003 airfoil and a circular cylinder.