New Features in Edge 3.2

A brief summary of the most important of the new developments in Edge, version 3.2, is given below.

Graphical User Interface
The new Edge GUI allows a complete Edge simulation to be managed via a simple menu-driven interface (see screenshot). This greatly simplifies the task of setting up and Edge computaion, especially for new users. The Edge GUI is generated by a Java program Xedge and its appearance and content can be customised using a simple textfile input.

METIS Partitioning
The Edge preprocessor now supports METIS-based mutilevel partitioning. This provides a more even distribution of partition sizes which gives significantly improved efficiency for large scale parallel cases.

Modal Aeroelastics
Deforming mesh functionality has been added for modal Aerolastic simulation. Time accurate prescribed motion solutions can be computed with arbitrary elastic deformation of the wetted surface. Helper programs are provided for setting up deformable mesh and for handling modal datasets.

Manoeuvre Simulation
Edge now supports time accurate simulation of arbritrary flight manouvres. This uses modified boundary conditions and a rigid grid with an accellerating frame of reference.

TecPlot Tools
Conversion programs have been added to allow Edge mesh and solution data to be explored using the TecPlot visualisation software. This complements the existing interfaces to Matlab and EnSight.

Improved Grid Adaption
The boundary surface is now represented by a higher order interpolation through the old surface points instead of the previous linear projection. This increases the accuracy for the new points on the surface. The interior grid points are moved to match the new location of the new boundary points.

Improved Wall Distance Function
The wall distance field, used in turbulence modelling, is now computed by the preprocessor using an Advancing Front algorithm. This is much faster and more accurate than the previous direct search method.

Extended Turbulence Modelling
Nine new turbulence models have been added since version 3.1 giving a total of 17 model options. The new models include a one-equation Spalart Allmaras model as well as a full Reynolds stress models. A total of 17 different turbulence models are available. Also LES and DES models are included.