RAGE -- Rapid Geometry Modeler

(Java -- available for most platforms)

RAGE allows for the generation of a variety of computational aerodynamic models from a central parameterized geometry definition. Designers can quickly and easily develop aircraft geometries that range from very simple to quite detailed for analysis with an assortment of computational aerodynamics tools. This allows the designer to avoid CADD-based preliminary design, which is often a bottleneck in efficiency. The designer can make minor and even major changes to the aircraft design very efficiently. Once a candidate design has been developed, the geometry can be output into a format most CADD systems can read for the next stage in the design process.

Currently RAGE can generate aerodynamic models for the high-order panel code A502 and the Euler CART3D package (PLOT3D format). Development is ongoing for generating models for LinAir, overset Navier-Stokes analyses (such as OVERFLOW), and unstructured analyses (such as USM3D and FUN3D).

Many different kinds of aircraft can be modeled with RAGE. Thus far several different aircraft configurations have been modeled including supersonic business jets, oblique flying wings, a modern sailplane, and a light sport general aviation airplane. Extensive nacelle and inlet integration and design (on supersonic business jets) has also been accomplished with RAGE. Many other geometries are possible including general aviation aircraft, conventional commercial transports, rockets, missiles, and similar designs. RAGE can also be customized to handle more specialized geometries by Desktop Aeronautics or directly by the user.

RAGE also allows for quick parametric studies and even optimization at the preliminary design phase. The available parameterizations of the aircraft are intelligent in that they are designed for the aircraft designer and not the CADD specialist. For example, wings are built as lofted airfoil sections, which in turn are built from base airfoil definitions and cambers. Fuselages are built from axially lofted cross sections which can be simple circles to split-super-ellipses. CADD systems normally use various NURBS objects to build geometry which may not provide the designer an effective or efficient parameterization. RAGE bypasses the CADD system and enables the designer or an even optimization system to improve the geometry directly.

RAGE can also be customized by the designer to allow for special airfoil or fuselage cross-section designs; This expandability is one of the most powerful features of the geometry modeler. Most aircraft can be modeled using the fuselage, wing, and nacelle components that are currently available in RAGE. Each component, in turn, is composed of subcomponents (airfoils are subcomponents of wings, for example). All of these geometry components and subcomponents can be easily customized by the user for specialized applications with minimal effort.

Obtaining RAGE

Please contact Desktop Aeronautics directly regarding pricing and availability.