Abstract
Panel methods are essential tools for analyzing a fluid-flow problem around complex three dimensional bodies, but they lack ability to solve viscous effects. On the other hand, CFD methods are considered as powerful tools for analyzing fluid-flow characteristics including viscosity. However, they also have short falls, requiring more computing time and showing different results depending on the selection of turbulence models and grid systems. In this paper a hybrid scheme combining a panel method and a CFD method is suggested. The scheme adopts a panel method for far-field solution where viscous effects are negligible and a CFD method for the solution of RANS equations in near-field where viscous effects are relatively strong. The intermediate region between the far-field and near-field is introduced where the calculated field point velocities by the panel method are given as boundary velocities for the CFD method. To verify the scheme, calculated results, by a panel method, a CFD method and the hybrid scheme, for a two dimensional foil section are compared. The suggested hybrid scheme gives reasonable results, while computation time and memory can be dramatically reduced. By using the hybrid scheme efforts can be concentrated for the local flow near the leading and trailing edges, by providing more dense grid system, where detailed flow characteristics are required.