Modern engineering education should have a balance between the traditional theory-based approach and the modern software-based approach. The Tool for the Automation of Computational Analysis of airfoils bridges the gap between theory and complex commercial computational fluid dynamics software packages. This allows students to easily gain a visual understanding of core aerodynamic concepts without needing to worry about the CFD models. Through several methods the user can create or choose the desired airfoil, choose the desired flight conditions and directly view the results in a post processing tool. By incorporating MATLAB, Chimera Grid Tools, OVERFLOW2 and FieldView along with Linux and bash scripting, the TACAA tool allows for a streamlined, automated workflow that allows students to focus on the aerodynamic concepts rather than the CFD methodology. Ultimately the TACAA tool presents a unique and important way for universities to modernize their aerospace engineering curriculum to better prepare students for their future professional careers.
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