SHARPy: from a research code to an open-source software tool for the simulation of very flexible aircraft

SHARPy (Simulation of High Aspect-Ratio airplanes in Python) is an nonlinear aeroelasticity simulation tool that permits the analysis of the next generation of aerostructures without using computationally expensive high-order methods or, instead, significant assumptions on the underlying physics.

With the core code written in Python, more intensive routines are in C++ and Fortran, it incorporates efficient multi-language interfaces that enable to share information with minimal cost.

It is built upon a modular framework: the user can interact with the code in a “building block” manner, offering numerous possibilities in the types of analyses that can be performed.

Unlike some research-oriented code, SHARPy is built focused on supporting a growing user base by providing automatic testing and documentation, amongst other tools. This turns a research code into an open-source software for users ranging from students to industrial partners for the simulation of the next generation aircraft and wind turbines.

The source code can be found on GitHub: https://github.com/ImperialCollegeLondon/sharpy/

Journal of Open Source paper: https://joss.theoj.org/papers/10.21105/joss.01885