AirShow is visualization post-processing software for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Upon reading binary PLOT3D grid and solution files into AirShow, the engineer can quickly see how hundreds of complex 3-D structured blocks are arranged and numbered. Additionally, chosen grid planes can be displayed and colored according to various aerodynamic flow quantities such as Mach number and pressure. The user may interactively rotate and translate the graphical objects using the mouse. The software source code was written in cross-platform Java, C++, and OpenGL, and runs on Unix, Linux, and Windows. The graphical user interface (GUI) was written using Java Swing. Java also provides multiple synchronized threads. The Java Native Interface (JNI) provides a bridge between the Java code and the C++ code where the PLOT3D files are read, the OpenGL graphics are rendered, and numerical calculations are performed. AirShow is easy to learn and simple to use. The source code is available for free from the NASA Technology Transfer and Partnership Office.

Originally published in 1971, this is a volume in the "Smithsonian Annals of Flight" series.

The Wind-US Computational Fluid Dynamics flow solver computed flow solutions for a transonic diffusing duct. The calculations used an unstructured (hexahedral) grid. The Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model was used. Static pressures along the upper and lower wall agreed well with experiment, as did velocity profiles. The effect of the smoothing input parameters on convergence and solution accuracy was investigated. The meaning and proper use of these parameters are discussed for the benefit of Wind-US users. Finally, the unstructured solver is compared to the structured solver in terms of run times and solution accuracy.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) flow solutions for the M2129 diffusing S-duct with and without vane effectors were computed by the Wind-US flow solver. Both structured and unstructured 3-D grids were used. Without vane effectors, the duct exhibited massive flow separation in both experiment and CFD. With vane effectors installed, the flow remained attached and aerodynamic losses were reduced. Total pressure recovery and distortion near the duct outlet were computed from the solutions and compared favorably to experimental values. These calculations are part of a validation effort for the Wind-US code. They also provide an example case to aid engineers in learning to use the Wind-US software.