8.1.4. BET Translators

The BETDisks parameters can be challenging to configure, especially the nested lists of sectionalPolars. To help generate these JSON entries, four translators are available to translate information from common propeller analysis data formats.

8.1.4.1. C81 to Flow360 JSON

The C81 2D airfoil data format is a common NASA format for storing airfoil data. This format only stores the airfoil’s 2D polars, so more information such as blade geometry, RPM, location in 3D space, etc. will need to be provided to the translator.

8.1.4.2. XFOIL to Flow360.json

XFOIL is one of the most common 2D airfoil analysis tools. If you have generated 2D polars with XFOIL, the translator will package them into the correct format. As for the C81 translator above, a variety of additional parameters will have to be provided in order to complete the required JSON entries.

8.1.4.3. XROTOR to Flow360.json

XROTOR is another common lower fidelity propeller analysis tool. XROTOR input files contain most of the information required to define a propeller, so few additional parameters are required for the translator.

8.1.4.4. DFDC to Flow360.json

DFDC is very similar to XROTOR except that it allows for ducted flows. The main difference is that while BET can easily simulate a virtual propeller, the duct(s) defined in DFDC will need to be generated in CAD, meshed and included in the simulation.

Note

Please contact Flexcompute customer support for access to any of the BET input data translators and examples. Tools to help check that BETDisks information is as expected are also available.