4.3. KiteAeroDyn Users Guide and Theory Manual

This document offers a quick reference guide for the KiteAeroDyn software program. It is intended to be used by the general user in combination with other KiteFAST, MBDyn, and OpenFAST manuals. The manual will be updated as new releases are issued and as needed to provide further information on advancements or modifications to the software.

The implementation plan for KiteAeroDyn, which includes a description of inputs and outputs, can be downloaded in PDF form here. Additional theory documentation for the VSM module is found at in the VSM Theory PDF here. Otherwise, user documentation is available as outlined below.

• 4.3.1. Introduction
• 4.3.2. Input Files
  • 4.3.2.1. Units
  • 4.3.2.2. KiteAeroDyn Primary Input File
• 4.3.3. Output Files
  • 4.3.3.1. Echo Files
  • 4.3.3.2. Summary File
  • 4.3.3.3. Results Files
• 4.3.4. Modeling Considerations
  • 4.3.4.1. Standalone KiteAeroDyn Driver
  • 4.3.4.2. Environmental Conditions
  • 4.3.4.3. Lifting Line Vortex-step Method
  • 4.3.4.4. Temporal and Spatial Discretization
  • 4.3.4.5. Pylon and Rotor Ordering
  • 4.3.4.6. Units of the User-supplied Control Settings
• 4.3.5. Appendix
  • 4.3.5.1. KiteAeroDyn Input Files
  • 4.3.5.2. KiteAeroDyn List of Output Channels

Contact Jason Jonkman and Greg Hayman.