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Undergraduate Computer Programs

Glenn
Research
Center

Here is a group of Java programs which were designed to help undergraduate engineering students. These programs cover the basics of aerodynamics and propulsion. The icon at the top of each section will take you to a web page which contains a simulator or calculator for an aerodynamics problem. The web page assumes that you understand the problem and contains only the applet and a couple of hyperlinks to additional pages which describe the science and math behind each problem and some additional instructions on the program operation. The linked pages will take a little longer to load into your browser. If you follow the instructions given below, you can download a copy of each program to your computer and you can then run the programs off-line.

All of the downloaded programs on this page are transported in ".zip" format. You will need to use the "WinZip" program to "Extract" the files from the "*.zip" file. If you skip this step, you will only see grey box when you attempt to run the applet or application.

Link to Mach Applet

Mach and Speed of Sound Calculator allows you to specify the altitude and speed (or Mach) of an aircraft and the program uses the standard day atmosphere mathematical model to determine the speed of sound and the Mach number (speed) of your aircraft. Altitudes vary from 0 to 250,000 feet and Mach number varies from 0 to 25. Calculations are in English or Metric units.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of Mach and Speed of Sound Calculator:

  1. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  2. Click Here to download a copy of the applet
  3. Go to the directory where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files.
  4. Click on Mach.html to launch your browser and load the driver program.


Link to EngineSimU Applet

EngineSimU is a simulator that performs a Brayton Cycle analysis of a turbine engine or ramjet. The program works in two modes: Design Mode or Tunnel Test Mode. In the Design Mode, you can change design variables including the flight conditions, the engine size, the inlet performance, the turbo machinery compressor and turbine performance, the combustors or burner performance, or the nozzle performance. For a turbofan engine design you can also vary the fan performance and the bypass ratio. When you have a design that you like, you can switch to the Tunnel Test Mode, where you can vary only the flight conditions (airspeed, altitude, and throttle setting).

EngineSimU is a special version of the EngineSim program that includes all of the options of the original version plus an additional input panel. Using this panel, you can reset the limits on all of the variables in the program.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of EngineSimU applet:

  1. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  2. Click Here to download a copy of the applet
  3. Go to the directory where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files.
  4. Click on either Turbo.html or EngineSimU.html to launch your browser and load the EngineSimU driver program. Turbo.html is intended for experienced users and launches the program alone; EngineSimU.html includes instructions on program operation.

There is an even more powerful version of EngineSimU which is available for very experienced users. This program is a Java application, not an applet. It runs stand alone and you must have Java installed on your computer to run this program. The chief advantage of this program is that it can read and write files on your computer. You can save your engine design and performance to a file for printing. You can also save your current design to a "Save" file. At your next session you can read the "Save" file information back into the program and continue your design.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of EngineSimU application:

  1. Install a copy of the Java 1.1.8 (or higher) JDK program language on your computer. This software is available for free from Sun Microsystems.
  2. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  3. Click Here to download a copy of Version 1.6, EngineSimU Application
  4. Go to the folder where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files. Remember the name of this folder.
  5. The "MANUAL" file can be printed to assist you in launching and operating the program.
  6. Open a DOS window. Type "java -cp (path to the folder) Turbo" to launch the application. You can re-size the window as desired.


Link to FoilSimU Applet

FoilSim II is a simulator that performs a Kutta-Joukowski analysis to compute the lift of an airfoil. The user can control the shape, size, and inclination of the airfoil and the atmospheric conditions in which the airfoil is flying. The program includes a stall model for the airfoil, a model of the Martian atmosphere, and the ability to specify a variety of fluids for lift comparisons. The program has graphical and numerical output, including an interactive probe which you can use to investigate the details of flow around an airfoil.

FoilSimU is a special version of the FoilSim program that includes all of the options of the original version plus additional input and output panels to study the details of conformal mapping and the Kutta condition.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of FoilSimU applet:

  1. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  2. Click Here to download a copy of the applet
  3. Go to the directory where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files.
  4. Click on either Foil.html or FoilSimU.html to launch your browser and load the FoilSimU driver program. Foil.html is intended for experienced users and launches the program alone; FoilSimU.html includes instructions on program operation.

There is an even more powerful version of FoilSimU which is available for very experienced users. This program is a Java application, not an applet. It runs stand alone and you must have Java installed on your computer to run this program. The chief advantage of this program is that it can write output files on your computer. You can save your airfoil design and performance to a file for printing.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of FoilSimU application:

  1. Install a copy of the Java 1.1.8 (or higher) JDK program language on your computer. This software is available for free from Sun Microsystems.
  2. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  3. Click Here to download a copy of Version 1.5, FoilSimU Application
  4. Go to the folder where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files. Remember the name of the folder.
  5. The "MANUAL" file can be printed to assist you in launching and operating the program.
  6. Open a DOS window. Type "java -cp (path to the folder) Foil" to launch the application. You can re-size the window as desired.


Link to Sound Wave Applet

Sound Wave Simulator allows you to explore the doppler effect and the formation of Mach waves. A "bug" generates a series of sound waves which are transmitted at the speed of sound. You can vary the speed of the bug from zero to twice the speed of sound (Mach 2) by using a slider. The change of wavelength associated with the doppler effect at lower speeds is illustrated. The formation of Mach waves which are inclined to the direction of motion at a unique Mach angle are also illustrated.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of Sound Wave Simulator:

  1. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  2. Click Here to download a copy of the applet
  3. Go to the directory where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files.
  4. Click on Sound.html to launch your browser and load the driver program.


Link
to Isentropic Flow Applet

Isentropic Flow Calculator solves the isentropic flow equations for a variety of inputs. Variables include the Mach number, static to total pressure, temperature, and density ratios, dynamic to static pressure ratio, critical area ratio, corrected airflow per unit area, Mach angle, and Prandtl-Meyer angle. Specifying any one variable determines the value of all the other variables.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of Isentropic Flow Calculator:

  1. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  2. Click Here to download a copy of the applet
  3. Go to the directory where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files.
  4. Click on Isentrop.html to launch your browser and load the driver program.


Link to
Interactive Nozzle Applet

Interactive Nozzle Simulator solves the isentropic flow equations for the flow through a rocket nozzle, a converging- diverging turbine nozzle or a converging turbine nozzle. Input variables include the throat area, throat to exit area ratio, total pressure and temperature in the plenum, and free stream pressure. You can select from a variety of propellant combinations, or specify your own molecular weight, ratio of specific heats, and combustion temperature. Output include the flow through the nozzle, the thrust, specific impulse, exit velocity and Mach number, and exit static pressure.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of Interactive Nozzle Simulator:

  1. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  2. Click Here to download a copy of the applet
  3. Go to the directory where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files.
  4. Click on Nozzle.html to launch your browser and load the driver program.


Link to Shock Applet

Shock Wave Simulator solves the flow equations for supersonic flow past a wedge. Input variables include the Mach number, and wedge angle. Depending on the combination, an attached oblique shock or a detached normal shock is generated. The simulator computes the static and total pressure ratio, the temperature and density ratio, the shock angle and the downstream Mach number. A graphic shows the shock angle.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of Shock Wave Simulator:

  1. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  2. Click Here to download a copy of the applet
  3. Go to the directory where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files.
  4. Click on Shock.html to launch your browser and load the driver program.


Link to Multiple Shock Applet

Multiple Shock Wave Simulator solves the flow equations for supersonic flow past multiple wedges. Input variables include the Mach number, wedge angles, and the spacing between the wedges. Wedges may be located in series or opposite each other. Depending on the combination, attached oblique shocks or a detached normal shock is generated. The simulator computes the static and total pressure ratio, the temperature and density ratio, the shock angle, flow turning, and the downstream Mach number. A graphic shows the multiple shock intersections and reflections. This program also solves the single wedge problem; generating an oblique or normal shock, or a centered expansion fan.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of Multiple Shock Wave Simulator:

  1. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  2. Click Here to download a copy of the applet
  3. Go to the directory where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files.
  4. Click on Mshock.html to launch your browser and load the driver program.

There is an even more powerful version of the Multiple Shock Wave Simulator which is available for very experienced users. This program is a Java application, not an applet. It runs stand alone and you must have Java installed on your computer to run this program. The chief advantage of this program is that it can write files on your computer. You can save the output from the program to a file for printing.

DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY:
Here is the procedure to download your own copy of the Multiple Shock Wave Simulator application:

  1. Install a copy of the Java 1.1.8 (or higher) JDK program language on your computer. This software is available for free from Sun Microsystems.
  2. The downloaded file is in .ZIP format which you must store on your hard drive when prompted by your browser.
  3. Click Here to download a copy of Multiple Shock Wave Application
  4. Go to the folder where you have stored the .ZIP file and "Extract" all the files. Remember the name of the folder.
  5. Open a DOS window. Type "java -cp (path to the folder) Mshock" to launch the application.
  6. You can re-size the window as desired.


COPYRIGHT NOTICE:
This software is in the Public Domain. It may be freely copied and used in non-commercial products, assuming proper credit to the author is given. IT MAY NOT BE RESOLD. If you want to use the software for commercial products, contact the author.

No copyright is claimed in the United States under Title 17, U.S. Code. This software is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed, implied, or statutory, including but not limited to, any warranty that the software will conform to specifications, any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from infringement, and any warranty that the documentation will conform to the program, or any warranty that the software will be error free.

In no event shall NASA be liable for any damages, including, but not limited to direct, indirect, special or consequential damages, arising out of, resulting from, or in any way connected with this software, whether or not based on warranty, contract, tort or otherwise, whether or not injury was sustained by persons or property or otherwise, and whether or not loss was sustained from or arose out of the results of, or use of, the software or services provided hereunder.


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Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics
Beginner's Guide to Propulsion
Beginner's Guide to Hypersonics
Beginner's Guide to Compressible Aerodynamics
Beginner's Guide to Model Rockets
Beginner's Guide to Kites
Wind Tunnel Pages
Free Software
Aerospace Activities and Lessons
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Editor: Tom Benson
NASA Official: Tom Benson
Last Updated: Jul 14 2008

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