Comparing and benchmarking engineering methods for the prediction of X-31 aerodynamics

A number of useful engineering methods are available for fast and economic estimates of the aerodynamic characteristics of complex flight vehicles. This article investigates the application of three specific engineering methods to the X-31 fighter configuration, and CFD, wind tunnel, and flight test data are used for comparison and evaluation purposes. The emphasis is on static longitudinal stability aspects up to high angles of attack; however, selected asymmetric and unsteady effects are considered. Results from the engineering methods are in good agreement with experiment and CFD for angles of attack up to 15° for most cases and higher angles for some cases. Results for pitching moment are in good agreement with CFD, but many of the nonlinear characteristics of the airplane are not predicted by the engineering methods. The quality of the longitudinal stability results is discussed in terms of the prediction of the center of pressure on the vehicle. The results provide improved understanding of the continued usefulness of engineering methods as an analysis tool during the design phase and into the flight test diagnostic phase of a new aircraft.