Article: Overset method for solving moving boundary problems: applications in aeronautics Journal: Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal (PCFD) 2026 Vol.26 No.4 pp.239 - 249 Abstract: In aeronautics, overset is a popular method to simulate moving boundary problems in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In this study, an in-house developed overset framework is employed to investigate a set of benchmark cases involving unsteady and relative motion, including rotor hover, forward flight, and store separation scenarios. The methodology enables high-quality, body-fitted grids to move independently, enhancing numerical stability and geometric flexibility compared to traditional dynamic meshing techniques. Simulations are performed by solving the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations coupled with a <i>k</i>-<i>ω</i> SST turbulence model. For the store separation case, six-degrees of freedom (6-DOF) motion equations are integrated with the overset solver to predict the trajectory of the released body. In summary, the CFD analysis results exhibit strong agreement with the reference data, with only marginal discrepancies observed under specific conditions - namely, an over-prediction of torque in hover and a minor over-estimation of yaw angular displacement for the store separation case. The findings demonstrate that the employed overset frame is reliable for modelling highly dynamic aerospace configurations involving complex moving body problems. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Overset method for solving moving boundary problems: applications in aeronautics

Authors: Serhat Şen; Saleh Abuhanieh; Sahin Yigit

Addresses: Computational Fluid Mechanics Department, Turkish Aerospace, Ankara, Turkey ' Computational Fluid Mechanics Department, Turkish Aerospace, Ankara, Turkey ' Computational Fluid Mechanics Department, Turkish Aerospace, Ankara, Turkey

Abstract: In aeronautics, overset is a popular method to simulate moving boundary problems in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In this study, an in-house developed overset framework is employed to investigate a set of benchmark cases involving unsteady and relative motion, including rotor hover, forward flight, and store separation scenarios. The methodology enables high-quality, body-fitted grids to move independently, enhancing numerical stability and geometric flexibility compared to traditional dynamic meshing techniques. Simulations are performed by solving the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations coupled with a k-ω SST turbulence model. For the store separation case, six-degrees of freedom (6-DOF) motion equations are integrated with the overset solver to predict the trajectory of the released body. In summary, the CFD analysis results exhibit strong agreement with the reference data, with only marginal discrepancies observed under specific conditions - namely, an over-prediction of torque in hover and a minor over-estimation of yaw angular displacement for the store separation case. The findings demonstrate that the employed overset frame is reliable for modelling highly dynamic aerospace configurations involving complex moving body problems.

Keywords: computational fluid dynamics; CFD; moving mesh; chimera; store separation; rotorcraft; hover.

DOI: 10.1504/PCFD.2026.154638

Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal, 2026 Vol.26 No.4, pp.239 - 249

Received: 26 May 2025
Accepted: 03 Oct 2025
Published online: 08 Jul 2026 *

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Title: Overset method for solving moving boundary problems: applications in aeronautics

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