Aerospace Computational Services
Comprehensive Aerospace Engineering Solutions
Pythias Numerics delivers specialised computational engineering services across the complete aircraft development lifecycle — from early conceptual design through certification and in-service support.
1. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
High-Fidelity RANS Analysis
- Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes simulations for complex configurations
- Transonic flow analysis with shock capturing
- Turbulence models: k-ω SST, Spalart-Allmaras, transition models
- Structured and unstructured grid generation
- Validation against experimental and wind tunnel data
Rapid Aerodynamic Methods
- Quasi-3D methods combining 2D viscous data with lifting-surface theory
- Panel–boundary layer coupling techniques
- Trefftz-plane drag analysis
- Parametric studies and design-space exploration
- Up to 100× faster than full RANS with high accuracy
Solver Development & customisation
- Custom boundary condition development
- OpenFOAM solver modification and validation
- Compressible potential-flow solvers
- Method industrialisation for production environments
Applications
2. AERODYNAMICS & LOADS
Preliminary Design Aerodynamics
- Conceptual design performance estimation
- Airfoil selection and optimisation
- Wing planform optimisation
- Drag breakdown and reduction strategies
- Lift distribution optimisation
Detailed Aerodynamic Analysis
- Wing twist optimisation for target load distributions
- Spanwise load distribution analysis
- Pressure distribution analysis and validation
- Drag polar generation (zero-lift, induced, compressibility)
- Maximum lift prediction and stall characteristics
Loads Analysis
- Steady Manoeuvre loads
- Gust loads analysis
- Landing loads
- Ground loads and taxi analysis
- Store separation loads
- Control surface hinge moments
High-Lift System Design
- Flap and slat deployment optimisation
- Multi-objective optimisation (CLmax, L/D, noise)
- Gap, overlap, and deflection angle studies
- Powered lift integration
- Certification support for take-off and landing performance
Machine Learning for Aerodynamics
- Surrogate models for rapid design exploration
- Geometric parameter-based ML models
- Pressure distribution prediction using neural networks
- Training on AIRFRANS, BlendedNet, and custom datasets
- Multi-output regression for complex aerodynamic responses
3. AEROELASTICITY & FLUID-STRUCTURE INTERACTION
Static Aeroelasticity
- Rigid vs flexible wing performance comparison
- Wing deformation under aerodynamic loads
- Twist and bending deflection prediction
- Control surface reversal analysis
- Divergence speed calculation
- Load redistribution on flexible structures
Aeroelastic Coupling Methods
- Rapid aero-structural coupling (< 1 second per iteration)
- Reduced-order structural models derived from FEM
- Beam-stick model development
- Modal analysis integration
- Multi-database interpolation for improved accuracy
Dynamic Aeroelasticity
- Flutter analysis
- Gust response analysis
- Limit cycle oscillation prediction
- Control surface buzz investigation
Aeroservo elasticity
- Flight control system integration with aeroelastic models
- Stability and control analysis on flexible aircraft
- Active load alleviation
- Manoeuvre load control
- Gust load alleviation systems
Wing optimisation with Flexibility
- Jig-shape optimisation accounting for in-flight deflection
- Trade studies between structural weight and aerodynamic efficiency
- Multidisciplinary optimisation (aerodynamics + structures)
4. STORE SEPARATION & WEAPONS INTEGRATION
Safe Store Separation Analysis
- Six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) trajectory simulation
- Aerodynamic database generation for external stores
- Captive carriage interference effects
- Separation clearance envelope definition
- Transonic and supersonic separation analysis
Weapons Integration
- Carriage loads analysis
- Aeroelastic effects on store separation
- Multiple store configuration assessments
- Internal and external carriage analysis
- Emergency jettison scenario evaluation
5. CFD VALIDATION & VERIFICATION
Wind Tunnel Correlation
- Pre-test CFD predictions
- Post-test correlation and analysis
- Test-to-analysis methodology development
- Uncertainty quantification
- Reynolds number scaling studies
Method Validation
- Comparison against published experimental test cases
- Code-to-code verification
- Grid convergence and discretisation studies
- Turbulence model sensitivity assessment
- Compliance with solution verification standards
6. OPTIMISATION & DESIGN
Multi-Objective Optimisation
- NSGA-II genetic algorithms for complex design spaces
- Pareto front generation and trade-space visualisation
- Design of experiments (DOE)
- Response surface methodology
- Gradient-based optimisation using adjoint methods
Geometry Parameterisation
- Free-form deformation (FFD) techniques
- Radial basis function (RBF) mesh deformation
- CAD-based parametric geometry definition
- Hicks–Henne functions for airfoil design
Software & Tools Expertise
Commercial CFD
- ANSYS Fluent
- STAR-CCM+
- CFX
Open Source
- OpenFOAM (custom solver development)
- SU2
- PyFR
Structural Analysis
- ANSYS Mechanical
- Nastran
- Modal analysis tools
Optimisation & Scripting
- Python (extensive automation)
- MATLAB
- ModelCenter
- DAKOTA
Mesh Generation
- ICEM CFD
- Pointwise
- Gmsh
Deliverables
Our typical project deliverables are structured to support design decisions,
certification activities, and long-term knowledge transfer.
- Technical reports with validation and verification evidence
- CFD solution files and post-processing scripts
- Aerodynamic databases (forces, moments, coefficients)
- Optimised geometries with performance comparison studies
- Training materials and structured knowledge transfer sessions
- Publication-quality visualisations
- Actionable recommendations for design improvements
