The CRAFT CFD® Navier-Stokes code has been operational since 1990. Its development has entailed extension of implicit/upwind (Roe/TVD based) finite-volume numerics (formulated for hypersonic space plane applications under the NASP program) to varied combustive and aeropropulsive applications requiring advanced multi-phase capabilities for both liquid and solid propellant systems. This structured grid parallel solver has been extensively validated for numerous propulsive, aerodynamic, and aeroacoustic problems.
Present activities of CRAFT CFD® are focused on the evaluation and upgrade of turbulence and thermochemical/ particulate modeling for missile aerodynamic applications. This work feeds directly into the upgrade of the unstructured grid code, CRUNCH CFD®. Turbulence modeling for flows with jet/plume interactions requires going beyond a conventional (linear) two-equation (e.g., k-epsilon) framework, and entails dealing with high Mach number compressibility effects, with variations in turbulent Prandtl/Schmidt numbers, as well as with turbulent/chemical/ particulate interactions.
Numerous developments in physical modeling are being conducted using CRAFT CFD®. The codes structured grid framework is advantageous in scoping out submodels for multiphase flows, large eddy simulations and turbulence modeling issues. Higher order accurate numerics are more readily implemented in structured grid solvers, and have found use in high fidelity aeroacoustics applications.
