A numerical method based on the vortex methodology is presented in order to obtain unsteady solution of the aerodynamic coefficients of a thin airfoil in either compressible subsonic or supersonic flows. The numerical model is created through the profile discretization in uniform segments and the compressible flow vortex singularity is used. The results of the proposed model are presented as the lift and the pressure coefficient along the profile chord as a function of time. The indicial response for the unit step change of angle of attack and unit sharp-edged gust response of the profile are also obtained numerically. The results yielded by the present methodology are also compared with solutions available in the literature.
vortex lattice method; compressible flow; unsteady flow; gust; indicial aerodynamics
