This release is one of the most feature-packed updates yet. It includes two long-requested features that will transform how OpenVSP is used. There are another half dozen smaller updates that would justify the version number bump on their own. There is something here for everyone — you are going to want to update.

Blended wings are finally here. OpenVSP v2 had a BWB component that I was never happy with for many reasons. It is one of the things that didn’t make the cut for v3 because I didn’t want to support an ugly hack forever. There have been two significant attempts at blended wings in the v3 era. The first was based on early skinning and was a total disaster. The second brought us slew control in skinning; while improved, it mostly proved that a skinning… Read more

OpenVSP Version 3.10.0

Just in time for SciTech, this release has been a long time coming. A few things had to be dropped at the last minute and there are a bunch more features pending in the wings… So expect more exciting releases in the near future.

There are no huge features this time, but enough significant changes to warrant the bump to .10. The FLTK graphics library has been updated to 1.3.4-1, the first stable FLTK release in years. The Angelscript scripting language has also been updated to the lastest version.

The clustering function for wings and propellers (LE/TE and root/tip) has been changed to one used widely by structured meshers. It gives more gradual point spacing growth resulting in much higher quality surface meshes.

The minimum clustering para… Read more

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

… Read more

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

Don’t forget to register for the OpenVSP Workshop (Aug 23-25)!

This version is more focused than many of our releases. It is really all about upgrading the VSPAERO integration (and one bugfix).

The VSPAERO GUI has been comprehensively updated. You can now run alpha/beta/Mach sweeps from the GUI. Results are automatically parsed and are ready for review from the GUI. VSPAERO is now available through the Analysis Manager in the API. The results are parsed and are available through the Results Manager in the API.

In addition, a bug fix for files saved since version 3.7 that use super ellipse cross sections.

Features:

• Overhaul of VSPAERO integration
• VSPAERO alpha/beta/Mach sweeps from GUI
• Visualize VSPAERO results in GUI
• VSPAERO available through API
• Changed d

… Read more

Versions 3.7.1 and .2 were released in rapid succession today to fix a couple of nasty bugs connected to the new variable presets capability.  Everyone should certainly update to 3.7.2.

Bug Fixes:

• Fix crash caused by reading file without VarPresets field
• Fix crash when deleting empty var presets group

… Read more

This version includes two significant new features that have been in the works for some time. These are the estimation of supersonic wave drag by the area rule and a capability to save sets of variable settings in a given model.

The wave drag capability has been much requested and long awaited. Since its demonstration at the 2015 Workshop, a number of slick improvements have been made. Thanks to Michael Waddington for all the work and to Sriram Rallabhandi for the C implementation of the Eminton Lord calculations.

The variable preset capability has a number of use cases; it allows you to save the model state and return to that state quickly and easily. Perhaps you have a model with takeoff, landing, and cruise configurations. Perhaps you adjust the tessellation for VSPAE… Read more

A small bugfix update just in time for AVIATION. This release fixes three problems that have bitten users. Get it now and don’t get bit! See you in DC.

Bug Fixes:

• Projected area direction setting from API. Thanks James Haley
• Crash in 3.6.1 with zero-width cross sections.
• Crash exporting split-surface IGES files with degenerate patches.

… Read more

One big feature, a handful of enhancements, and a bunch of bug fixes make this version well worth the update.

The big feature is a projected area calculator. Use it to calculate the projected area of a component or a set of components. Project in the X, Y, or Z directions — or along an arbitrary vector — or along a vector normal to the u=0, w=0 point on a given component. You can also bound the projected area by a component or a set.

The resultant area is triangulated and added to the model as a MeshGeom for visualization or export to STL. Although only the final area is reported in the GUI, component areas and the area outline are available in the output file or via the API.

So, whether you want frontal area for a drag estimate, rotor downwash area for a download calculati… Read more