Add feature to convert CGNS meshes to OAS meshes with camberline

[marcomangano]

Type of issue

• New feature (non-breaking change which adds functionality)

Description

As per title, we should add and document a script that allows to "translate" a CGNS mesh used by ADflow to an equivalent input file for OpenAeroStruct

[kanekosh]

Sounds good, will you need that for your project @marcomangano? OAS meshes are just panels but not distinct upper/lower wing surface. The planform and camber are represented by the mesh (which is defined by the vertex coordinates of VLM panels). The sectional thickness and the chordwise location of max thickness cannot be stored in the OAS meshes, instead, we need explicit representation via t_over_c_cp and c_max_t. The spanwise distribution of t/c (and maybe of c_max_t as well?) is controlled by b-spline.

[marcomangano]

I opened this issue (together with many others) because it was part of the TODO list from 2yrs ago that @nwu63 mentioned during the presentation today. It is not part of my research unfortunately but I am happy to offer feedback if necessary!! I see how there are some challenges involved into this, especially when non-conventional airfoils are used as wing sections. I think this is going to be a nice feature when implemented, that could further increase OAS usage even in multifidelity contexts.

[ewu63]

So, just to be clear, I implemented this about two years ago when I needed this. However, in classic research fashion, I did not document the process and the code is either deprecated or lost. I do not have time to work on this myself, but would be happy to provide support, and if I can find my old code that could be a good starting process.

[kanekosh]

Thanks Neil! I don't have time to implement this anytime soon, but good to keep the idea here.