AERO Console

AERO Console is a modern graphical user interface (GUI) for Mark Drela's renowned Athena Vortex Lattice (AVL) and XFoil aerodynamic analysis tools.

Originally developed for the Aerodynamics and Performance course (MECH-4671) at the University of Windsor by Dr. Afshin Rahimi, this tool bridges the gap between powerful aerodynamic calculation engines and user-friendly design environments.

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📖 Table of Contents

• Background
• Key Features
• Installation
• Important Workflow & File Structure
• Tutorials & Support
• Credits

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💡 Background

AVL and XFoil are industry-standard, powerful, and free tools for aerodynamic analysis. However, their reliance on legacy DOS-command interfaces creates a steep learning curve for students and modern engineers.

AERO Console solves this by providing:

• A visual design environment to replace command-line inputs.
• Real-time syntax highlighting for AVL files.
• Instant visual feedback on geometry and mass distributions.
• Streamlined workflow for design iteration.

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🚀 Key Features

🖥️ Interface & Editor

Feature	Preview
Graphical User Interface User-friendly forms to manage simulation parameters.
Syntax Highlighting Color-coded and automatically indented AVL code editor.
Tooltip Assistance Hover over any element in Geometry, Mass, or Run files for instant definitions.

✈️ Visualization Tools

Feature	Preview
3D Navigation Rotate, zoom, and pan the 3D view with mouse controls.
Component Overlay Toggle visibility for sections, mass distribution, and control surfaces.
Node Highlighting Interactive highlighter for geometry and mass nodes.

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📥 Installation

Note

Compatibility: This software is designed exclusively for Windows OS. Mac/Linux users should use a Virtual Machine (VM) or Boot Camp.

1. Download: Get the latest standalone version from the Releases Page.
2. Location: Place the .exe file in a folder where you have Read/Write permissions (e.g., specific project folder, not C:\Program Files).
3. Run: Open AERO_Console.exe.
   • Security Warning: You may see a "Windows protected your PC" popup. Click More Info > Run Anyway. This occurs because the app is not digitally signed by Microsoft.
4. Setup: The program will automatically unpack necessary dependencies into the same folder.

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⚠️ Important Workflow & File Structure

To ensure the software functions correctly, please adhere to the following file naming and structural rules.

1. Reserved Filenames

The program relies on specific temporary filenames in the root directory.

Warning

Risk of Overwriting: The program constantly writes to the files listed below. Do not use these names for your saved projects. Once you are satisfied with a design, Rename or Move these files immediately to a safe location.

Filename	Purpose	Location
test.avl	Temporary Geometry File	Root Folder*
test.mas	Temporary Mass File	Root Folder*
test.run	Temporary Run File	Root Folder*

*Root Folder is the directory where AERO_Console.exe is located.

2. Geometry Hierarchy

When editing .avl files, you must follow this specific nesting order to prevent calculation errors or crashes:

+- AVL Template (Root)
   |
   +-- Surface 1
   |    |-- Section A (Root Chord)
   |    |    +-- Control Surface
   |    |
   |    +-- Section B (Tip Chord)
   |         +-- Control Surface
   |
   +-- Surface 2 ...