Question

Which of these flows can be modelled by the panel method?

(a) Compressible flow

(b) Rotational flow

(c) Incompressible flow

(d) Supersonic flow

I had been asked this question in an online quiz.

My question is from General Three Dimensional Flows-Panel Techniques topic in portion Three-Dimensional Incompressible Flow of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) Incompressible flow

To elaborate: Panel method is idea for design analysis for only incompressible flows. It lacks the ability to model viscous flow, rotational flow w and supersonic flow. A panel method performs best when modeling fully-attached, high-reynolds-number (> 105), subsonic (Mach number < 1) flow.