> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ntop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# nTop AeroDeck Generator

> AI context for nTop AeroDeck Generator. Not linked in navigation.

> This page is for AI assistant context only. To use this package, visit [community.ntop.com](https://community.ntop.com/packages/bradrothenberg/ntop-aero-avl).

> **Community submission — not verified by nTop.** This package was submitted by an outside community member and has not been reviewed or verified by nTop. Treat its accuracy, safety, and compatibility claims with appropriate caution.

## Summary

Production-ready Python pipeline that ingests nTop panel geometry CSV exports and generates aerodynamic decks using AVL and XFOIL, with PDF reports and JSON output for downstream 6-DOF simulation.

## Package Details

| Field            | Value                                                                                         |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **ID**           | `ntop-aero-avl`                                                                               |
| **Type**         | Bundle                                                                                        |
| **Author**       | bradrothenberg                                                                                |
| **Version**      | 0.1.0                                                                                         |
| **nTop Version** | 4.26.4                                                                                        |
| **Domain**       | Aerospace                                                                                     |
| **Application**  | Analysis                                                                                      |
| **Complexity**   | Advanced                                                                                      |
| **Tags**         | `avl`, `xfoil`, `vortex lattice`, `aerodynamics`, `aero deck`, `6-dof`, `stability`, `python` |
| **License**      | MIT                                                                                           |
| **Verified**     | No                                                                                            |

***

A production-ready Python pipeline that ingests nTop panel geometry exports and automatically generates comprehensive aerodynamic decks using AVL and XFOIL, with both human-readable reports and machine-readable output files for downstream 6-DOF simulation.

> **Source repository:**
> **[https://github.com/bradrothenberg/nTopAero\_AVL](https://github.com/bradrothenberg/nTopAero_AVL)**

## Features

* **Automated Pipeline** — Load nTop CSV exports → Generate AVL input → Run analysis → Create aero deck
* **Comprehensive Validation** — Geometry validation with detailed error/warning reporting
* **AVL + XFOIL Integration** — Automated execution with batch processing and cached airfoil polars
* **PDF Reports** — Auto-generated reports covering static/dynamic stability, control effectiveness, and dynamic modes
* **6-DOF Ready Output** — Machine-readable JSON aerodeck for downstream simulation
* **Flexible Configuration** — YAML-based configuration for all analysis parameters

## Requirements

* Python 3.9+
* [AVL](https://web.mit.edu/drela/Public/web/avl/) (Mark Drela, MIT)
* [XFOIL](https://web.mit.edu/drela/Public/web/xfoil/) (optional, for airfoil polars)

## Installation

```bash theme={null}
git clone https://github.com/bradrothenberg/nTopAero_AVL
cd ntop-aerodeck
pip install -e .
```

## nTop Export Requirements

Export your aircraft geometry from nTop as the following CSV files:

| File             | Description                                    |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| `mass.csv`       | Mass, CG, and inertia tensor                   |
| `LEpts.csv`      | Leading edge panel points (x, y, z)            |
| `TEpts.csv`      | Trailing edge panel points (x, y, z)           |
| `WINGLETpts.csv` | *(Optional)* Winglet geometry points           |
| `ELEVONpts.csv`  | *(Optional)* Control surface hinge line points |

## Quick Start

```bash theme={null}
# Full pipeline — AVL + XFOIL + spanwise loads for FEA
aerodeck build /path/to/ntop_export/ --verbose

# Custom load factor (default: 6g)
aerodeck build /path/to/ntop_export/ -g 4.0 --verbose

# AVL only (no XFOIL)
aerodeck generate /path/to/ntop_export/ -v

# Validate geometry without running analysis
aerodeck validate /path/to/ntop_export/
```

## Output Files

| File                   | Description                         |
| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `{name}.avl`           | AVL geometry input (human-readable) |
| `{name}.mass`          | AVL mass file                       |
| `{name}_aerodeck.json` | Full aero deck for 6-DOF simulation |
| `{name}_aerodeck.pdf`  | Comprehensive analysis report       |
| `avl_outputs/`         | Raw AVL text outputs                |
| `polars/*.csv`         | Cached XFOIL airfoil polars         |

## PDF Report Contents

* Summary: metadata, reference geometry, mass properties
* Static stability derivatives (CL\_α, Cm\_α, Cn\_β, neutral point)
* Dynamic stability derivatives (CL\_q, Cm\_q, Cl\_p, Cn\_r, …)
* Roll-yaw coupling characteristics
* Dynamic modes (Dutch roll, spiral, roll subsidence)
* Control effectiveness and trim requirements
* Elevon forces and hinge loading

## License

MIT — see the [source repository](https://github.com/bradrothenberg/nTopAero_AVL) for details.

## Authors

Brad Rothenberg

## Acknowledgments

AVL and XFOIL by Mark Drela (MIT).

***

## Source

[https://community.ntop.com/packages/bradrothenberg/ntop-aero-avl](https://community.ntop.com/packages/bradrothenberg/ntop-aero-avl)