Launch Ascent And Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA)(ARC-19062-1)

The Launch, Ascent, and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) Framework, developed by NASA Ames Computational Aerosciences Branch, is an integrated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and multiphysics environment with automated pre and postprocessing and grid generation. Evolving since the late 2000s, LAVA uses a modern architecture to deliver advanced methods and high-performance computing efficiency. It minimizes user effort through robust automation across three mesh paradigms: blockstructured curvilinear overset meshes, Cartesian immersed boundary meshes with blockstructured adaptive mesh refinement, and arbitrary polyhedral unstructured meshes. Users can choose fully automated Cartesian meshes, the builtin Voronoi mesh generator, or handcrafted bodyfitted structured grids. LAVA solves compressible NavierStokes equations with finitedifference and finitevolume schemes up to fourthorder space/time accuracy, supporting WMLES with GPU acceleration, as well as hybrid RANS/LES and RANS on CPUs. Multiphysics capabilities include multispecies/multiphase flows, fluidstructure interaction, conjugate heat transfer, sixDOF motion, AMR, and shape optimization, with insitu visualization for large, practical aerospace simulations across research, development, and engineering.