Validation issues for engine-airframe integration

The engine-airframe integration methodology is reviewed and some process deficiencies are identified. The use of computational fluid dynamics as an alternative simulation source is discussed. An approach toward combining computations with the existing integration methodology is suggested. Validation issues associated with the computational procedures are examined. Computational fluid dynamics as a source of test facility corrections is found to be well developed, but validation efforts remain ad hoc. The use of computational fluid dynamics to evaluate inlet drag increments and to generate high-resolution total pressure maps is discussed. Related validation issues include the simulation of unsteady flow with steady-state approximations.