Numerical Evaluation of the Strut Interference and the 3-Run Image method for Wind Tunnel Tests

In order to correct the strut interference in wind tunnel tests, image methods are conventionally used. Because of their excessive extra runs, some alternatives have been tried to reduce the extra runs. In this study, these alternatives were reviewed and checked by the strut interference evaluation with the panel code, CMARC. The present work shows that the strut interference is free from neither model configuration nor model attitude. This dependency makes the alternatives to the image method unfeasible. The 3-run image method was also evaluated. It worked well even for the exaggerated windshield. At this point, reducing the image runs by neglecting parameters affecting minor influence would be best.