This release is all bug fixes. Some of the bugs are longstanding, but most relate to the big VSPAERO and integration update in 3.9.0. Everyone should update.

Bug Fixes:

• Fix bugs with unenforced limits of propeller curves
• Fix feather/collective angle for reversed propeller
• Fix false camber for blunt TE/LE airfoils in VLM VSPAERO analysis
• Fix problem where custom materials got re-written to file on insert
• Fix error writing supersonic VSPAERO results to file
• Fix various errors with VSPAERO integration

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OpenVSP Version 3.9.0 with VSPAERO Version 3.0

The OpenVSP Workshop is this week. If you can’t be there, you can still stream the presentations online. Details at the workshop website.

Just in time for the Workshop, this release has something for everyone. VSPAERO, Hinges, Group Transform, AutoCAD Export, and bug fixes.

VSPAERO v3.0 is the most significant update to the VSPAERO solver to date. It includes a thick-surface panel method, control surfaces in VLM mode, built-in batch runs, improved speed, and more.

The VSPAERO integration into OpenVSP has been updated to support the new version of VSPAERO. API support also updated.

A one-axis kinematic joint has been added. This is like a blank component, but that can translate or rotate. Its children are forced … Read more

Propellers for all!

This release adds a new propeller component and fixes a pair of unrelated bugs. Though it may seem like a small change, the propeller component constructs its surface differently from other components. It represents a surprisingly large amount of work.

Instead of defining the blade shape (chord, twist) at specified stations, these are instead specified as continuious curves.

The propeller component comes with a bunch of related accessories — the blade activity factor is calculated on-the-fly, there is a one-click option to switch to a counter-rotating prop, propeller folding is built-in — with a user-defined fold axis, there is a blade element export/import capability, and the BEM data is available through the API.

Features:… Read more