 |
1997-98
NEW MEXICO
HIGH SCHOOL
SUPERCOMPUTING
CHALLENGE
Interim Report |
Well, our problem is this: It is presently fairly difficult to calculate
the drag and lift of a given air foil very precisely. We will solve this problem,
or make a large step in solving the problem, by calculating the drag and lift
of an airfoil of a constant shape, in different elements of the periodic table,
and displaying (or representing) the results visually in a two-dimensional
diagram, by the use of a computer. We are later going to convert the two-dimensional
diagram into a three-dimensional rendered graphic, with an image package. It is
fairly easy, we are told, to convert a two-dimensional graphic into a three-
dimensional wonder of computers.
What we are presently doing, we believe, would simplify a lot of the
hassle which is involved in calculating the drag of an air foil in the real
world. Unfortunately, we will most likely not be able to make the air foil
anything but a constant shape, since we have only a little bit of time allotted
to us, and because right now we are just concerned about getting the project
finished by the deadline.
We are presently working on our code for the program, writing in C++.
The beginning of our pseudocode is included at the end of this document. We have
read a few books on introductory aerodynamics, which has helped us to find the
equation to calculate drag and lift, namely Bernoulli's Equation, which is:
Along with the equation for drag:
We then interpreted this into an algorithm or equation that may be read
by the computer. We expect to have the finished, working program by the end
of March.
What we have done so far is written the pseudocode, which is attached
to the bottom of the document. Pseudocode helps to outline the program, which
is helpful to us for understanding the steps that are involved. We have also
researched the topic of aerodynamics quite a bit, which has taught us a lot on
the subjects of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics.
Our plan is to calculate these equations on the supercomputer to which
we have been given access. The problems are most likely not too complex, but
it would speed up the running and execution of our program by quite a bit.
In the end, we hope to eliminate the cost of high-performance windtunnels
which can be very expensive. We are only a few months away from achieving the
expected results of our project.
We would like to thank Mr. Arlee Smith, and Mr. Roy Hogan for offering their
generous help and resources to us. We would like to thank Mrs. Cheri T. Burch
for being our teacher and helping us become involved in the NMSCC. We would
also like to thank the committee that puts NMSCC together, because they are
doing a great job.
Here is the pseudocode that we have so far:
1.1 Declare Variables
1.2 Format Files
2. Prompt user for element
2.1 If element is solid loop back to 2.
2.2 If element is liquid or gas continue
3. Call to periodic table file for element stats
3.1 Recall the effects of the specified density
3.2 Save density effects for later use
3.3 Prompt user for time limit of visual demonstration
4. Print airfoil to the screen
4.1 Mimic the effects of the saved density on the printed airfoil
4.1.1 Redraw 45 times a second
Team Members:
Sponsoring Teacher(s):
Project Advisor(s):
New Mexico High School Supercomputing Challenge