High Fidelity Flight Simulation of Small Aircraft over Tall Buildings

AbstractAerodynamic effects on small aircraft flying over tall buildings are studied. Flow is modeled using unsteady Navier–Stokes equations. The effects of buildings on the stability of aircraft are studied by time-accurately coupling stability equations with the flow equations. Responses are computed at varying dynamic pressures. The present work provides a road map for designers to use high-fidelity simulations for the safe design of air taxis in urban environments where flying closer to buildings is unavoidable.