Hubbry Logo
OpenVSPOpenVSPMain
Open search
OpenVSP
Community hub
OpenVSP
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
OpenVSP
OpenVSP
OpenVSP
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
OpenVSP
Other namesOpen Vehicle Sketch Pad
Original authorJ.R. Gloudemans
DevelopersRob McDonald and 3rd party contributors
Initial releaseJanuary 10, 2012; 14 years ago (2012-01-10)
Stable release
3.41.2 / December 3, 2024 (2024-12-03)
RepositoryOpenVSP on GitHub
Written inC, C++
Operating systemWindows, macOS, Linux
Platformx86-64, ARM64
PredecessorVehicle Sketch Pad
Available inEnglish
TypeComputer-aided design, CFD, FEA
LicenseNASA Open source Agreement
Websiteopenvsp.org/

OpenVSP (also Open Vehicle Sketch Pad) is an open-source parametric aircraft geometry tool originally developed by NASA. It can be used to create 3D models of aircraft and to support engineering analysis of those models.

History

[edit]

Predecessors to OpenVSP including VSP[1] and Rapid Aircraft Modeler (RAM) were developed by J.R. Gloudemans and others[2] for NASA beginning in the early 1990s.[3] OpenVSP v2.0 was released as open source under the NOSA license in January 2012. Development has been led by Rob McDonald since around 2012 and has been supported by NASA and AFRL among other contributions.

OpenVSP allows the user to quickly generate computer models from ideas, which can then be analyzed. As such, it is especially powerful in generating and evaluating unconventional design concepts.[4]

Features

[edit]

User interface

[edit]

OpenVSP displays a graphical user interface upon launch, built with FLTK. A workspace window and a "Geometry Browser" window open. The workspace is where the model is displayed while the Geometry Browser lists individual components in the workspace, such as fuselage and wings. These components can be selected, added or deleted, somewhat like a feature tree in CAD software such as Solidworks. When a component is selected in the Geometry Browser window, a component geometry window opens. This window is used to modify the component.

OpenVSP also provides API capabilities which may be accessed using Matlab, Python or AngelScript.[5]

Geometry modelling

[edit]
A few base geometry models provided by OpenVSP

OpenVSP offers a multitude of basic geometries, common to aircraft modelling, which users modify and assemble to create models. Wing, pod, fuselage, and propeller are a few available geometries. Advanced components like body of revolution, duct, conformal geometry and such are also available.

Analysis tools

[edit]

Besides the geometry modeler, OpenVSP contains multiple tools that help with aerodynamic or structural analysis of models. The tools available are:

  • CompGeom - mesh generation tool that can handle model intersection and trimming
An OpenVSP HL-20 model alongside its unstructured mesh generated using the CompGeom tool
  • Mass Properties Analysis - to compute properties like centre of gravity and moment of inertia
  • Projected Area Analysis - to compute project area
  • CFD Mesh - to generate meshes that may be used in Computational fluid dynamics analysis software
  • FEA Mesh - to generate meshes that may be used in FEA analysis software
  • DegenGeom - to generate various simplified representations of geometry models like point, beam and camber surface models
  • VSPAERO - for vortex lattice or panel method based aerodynamic and flight dynamic analysis
Results from a panel method simulation in VSPAERO on a generic transport aircraft
  • Wave Drag Analysis - for estimating wave drag of geometries
  • Parasite Drag Analysis - for estimating parasite drag of geometries based on parameters like wetted area and skin friction coefficient
  • Surface fitting - for fitting a parametric surface to a point cloud
  • Texture Manager - for applying image textures to geometry for aiding visualization
  • FEA Structure - for creating internal structures such as ribs and spars

Compatibility with other software

[edit]

OpenVSP permits import of multiple geometry formats like STL, CART3D (.tri) and PLOT3D. Point clouds may also be imported and used to fit a parametric surface.

Geometry created in OpenVSP may be exported as STL, CART3D (.tri), PLOT3D, STEP and IGES, OBJ, SVG, DXF and X3D file formats. These file formats allow geometries to be used for mesh generation and in CFD or FEA software.

Community repository

[edit]
A NASA X-57 Maxwell OpenVSP model on VSP Hangar
A NASA X-57 Maxwell OpenVSP model on VSP Airshow

OpenVSP Hangar

[edit]

OpenVSP Hangar (also VSP Hangar) provides users a place to upload models and promotes sharing of geometry created in OpenVSP. Each model is allowed revisions with accompanying details on source quality.[6]

Since end of 2023, OpenVSP Hangar has been closed and no backup downloads has been provided.

OpenVSP Airshow

[edit]

On 22 August 2024, OpenVSP Airshow (also VSP Airshow),[7] a successor to OpenVSP Hangar, has been launched.[8]

All of the v3 models on the Hangar have been ported over to the Airshow.

— The OpenVSP Team, OpenVSP Airshow is Live!, openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2024/08/22/openvsp-airshow-is-live

OpenVSP Workshop

[edit]

OpenVSP Workshop — is an offline event where developers and users meet to discuss progress and use of OpenVSP. The Workshop has been held annually since 2012 (except 2018). The 2020 and 2021 Workshops were held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2024 Workshop was held at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.[9]

Papers, slides and other workshops materials published on OpenVSP wiki site in a few days after workshops ends.[10]

OpenVSP Ground School

[edit]

OpenVSP Ground School is a set of comprehensive tutorials under development by Brandon Litherland at NASA. Ground school tutorials provide details on OpenVSP features and techniques, along with tutorials for beginner and advanced users, and are hosted on the Langley Research Center website.[11]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

OpenVSP

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
OpenVSP (Open Vehicle Sketch Pad) is an open-source parametric geometry modeling tool designed for conceptual design, enabling users to create three-dimensional vehicle models defined by standard engineering parameters such as fuselage lengths, spans, and shapes. Developed initially by researchers, it facilitates the rapid generation of geometries that can be exported for aerodynamic, structural, and other engineering analyses. The software is cross-platform, supporting Windows, macOS, and , and is freely available under the NASA Open Source Agreement (NOSA). The origins of OpenVSP trace back to the early 1990s, when predecessors like the Rapid Aircraft Modeler (RAM) and earlier versions of the Vehicle Sketch Pad were developed by James R. Gloudemans and colleagues at to support parametric modeling for projects. These tools evolved to address the need for efficient creation during the phase, where quick iterations are essential. On January 10, 2012, OpenVSP was officially released as under NOSA version 1.3, transitioning from proprietary tools to a community-driven project. Since then, it has been maintained by a core team including personnel and external contributors, with ongoing updates; the latest version, 3.46.0, was released on September 30, 2025. Key features of OpenVSP include intuitive parametric components for modeling fuselages, wings, tails, nacelles, and other vehicle elements, allowing users to adjust parameters in real-time to visualize changes. It integrates analysis capabilities, such as the built-in VSPAERO panel method solver for aerodynamic predictions, and supports mesh generation for (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA). The tool also handles advanced functionalities like attributes for metadata, point clouds, and export formats compatible with major , making it versatile for multidisciplinary . OpenVSP has gained widespread adoption across aerospace sectors, including government agencies, industry, academia, and startups, for applications ranging from traditional fixed-wing aircraft to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, supersonic transports, hypersonic vehicles, and even space launch systems. NASA's OpenVSP Ground School provides comprehensive tutorials to support users at all levels, emphasizing best practices for modeling and analysis. Its open-source nature has fostered a global community, with the GitHub repository serving as the primary hub for development, documentation, and collaboration.

Overview

Purpose and capabilities

OpenVSP is an open-source parametric geometry modeling tool designed for the rapid creation of 3D aircraft and vehicle configurations using engineering parameters such as wing span, chord length, and sweep angle. Developed by NASA's , it originated as a means to streamline processes by enabling engineers to generate accurate, analysis-ready models without the complexity of full-scale CAD systems. This focus on parametric input allows for intuitive definition of vehicle shapes, supporting applications in where quick geometric variations are essential. The software's primary applications lie in conceptual aircraft design, preparation of geometries for aerodynamic analysis, and facilitation of multidisciplinary optimization studies. It excels in enabling rapid iteration of complex vehicle designs, permitting users to explore trade-offs in performance, structure, and through simple parameter adjustments. Key capabilities include modeling both subsonic and supersonic vehicles, from conventional to unconventional configurations like blended-wing bodies, and exporting triangulated surface meshes or degenerated geometries compatible with external tools for (CFD) and . Additionally, OpenVSP integrates built-in solvers like VSPAERO for preliminary aerodynamic assessments, enhancing its utility in early design stages. Since its open-source release in 2012, OpenVSP has seen widespread adoption across academia, industry, and sectors, driven by its and efficiency in conceptual workflows. Major firms such as and Gulfstream have incorporated it into their early design processes, replacing or supplementing proprietary tools for tasks requiring fast parametric modeling. Universities leverage it for educational purposes in aerodynamic and vehicle design courses, while and other agencies use it for research on advanced air vehicles. By 2016, the software had accumulated an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 downloads, reflecting substantial growth in its user base and ongoing contributions to innovation.

Licensing and availability

OpenVSP is licensed under the NASA Open Source Agreement (NOSA) version 1.3, which has governed the software since its initial open-source release on January 10, 2012. This permissive license grants users the rights to freely use, reproduce, distribute, modify, and redistribute the software for any purpose, subject to requirements such as retaining the original copyright notice—"Copyright (c) 2012 United States Government as represented by the Administrator for The National Aeronautics and Space Administration. All Rights Reserved."—and providing attribution to NASA in any distributions or modifications. It also mandates that source code be made available alongside any binary distributions and prohibits any warranty claims, distributing the software "as is" without implied guarantees. The software is freely available for download from the official website at openvsp.org, where pre-compiled binaries are provided for 64-bit architectures on Windows (with Python 3.9 or 3.11 support), macOS (ARM64 and x64 variants with Python 3.9 or 3.11), and (Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04 distributions). is hosted on the official repository at github.com/OpenVSP/OpenVSP, enabling users to compile custom builds or contribute enhancements. Installation typically involves downloading the appropriate binary package (e.g., ZIP for Windows/macOS or DEB for Ubuntu), extracting it, and launching the executable; no additional setup is required for standard use, though building from source necessitates dependencies like 3.24, a , and libraries. OpenVSP's version history began with the open-source v2.0.0 release in January 2012, marking its transition to public accessibility under NOSA. The project maintains frequent updates, with the latest stable version, v3.46.0, released on September 30, 2025, incorporating ongoing refinements to core functionality. For instance, v3.44.0, issued on July 15, 2025, introduced advanced modeling capabilities, including components with suspension travel and tire parameterization. System requirements are modest, supporting 64-bit operating systems with OpenGL-compatible graphics hardware; a minimum of 4 GB RAM is recommended for smooth performance during complex model rendering and analysis. The application runs efficiently on modern hardware without high-end specifications, though users building from source must install prerequisites such as for Python integration and libraries like for the graphical interface. Developers can contribute to OpenVSP via the repository by forking the project, implementing changes, and submitting pull requests, following standard open-source practices to propose bug fixes, new features, or documentation improvements. The community also welcomes participation through testing releases, creating aircraft models for the shared repository, and engaging on the official for feedback and collaboration.

History

Early development

The development of OpenVSP originated in the early 1990s at NASA's , where the Rapid Aircraft Modeler (RAM) was created as a foundational tool for parametric geometry modeling. RAM was primarily developed by J.R. Gloudemans, along with Paul Davis and Mark Overmars, to enable engineers to generate detailed 3D geometric models quickly and interactively, facilitating visual inspection and evaluation of conceptual designs. This effort addressed the need for tools that could accelerate the early stages of aircraft design by replacing labor-intensive manual sketching and 2D representations with computational parametric methods, allowing for rapid iteration and integration with analysis software like flow solvers. Building on RAM's parameterized graphical user interface and 3D visualization capabilities, the tool evolved into the Vehicle Sketch Pad (VSP) under NASA's Langley Research Center's Aeronautics Systems Analysis Branch in the mid-2000s. VSP expanded the parametric framework to support more advanced 3D modeling, including enhanced export formats for computational fluid dynamics (CFD), wind tunnel testing, and multidisciplinary analyses such as those integrated with tools like ACSYNT and FLOPS. By the mid-2000s, VSP had become a core component of NASA's aircraft conceptual design workflows, enabling geometry-centered methodologies that reduced reliance on empirical approximations and supported studies for advanced concepts like hybrid wing bodies and Mars aircraft. This evolution from 2D sketches to full parametric 3D models was driven by in-house development funded through the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. During its proprietary phase prior to 2012, VSP's access was limited to personnel and select collaborators, which constrained broader adoption and collaboration in the community despite its proven utility in internal projects. These restrictions, including the high complexity and cost barriers of traditional CAD alternatives, prompted to release the tool as open-source in 2012, transitioning it to OpenVSP to promote wider use in industry, academia, and hobbyist applications.

Open-source release and evolution

OpenVSP was officially released as an open-source project on , with version 2.0.0 distributed under the NASA Open Source Agreement (NOSA) 1.3. This transition from a proprietary tool to was initiated to enhance accessibility for researchers, educators, and industry professionals in conceptual design, fostering broader collaboration and innovation in . Since the open-source launch, primary development has been led by Rob McDonald, an aerospace engineer and former faculty member at California Polytechnic State University, who has driven the project's evolution through continuous updates and feature enhancements. Ongoing support has come from , where team members like Brandon Litherland and Andy Hahn contribute expertise in systems analysis and geometry modeling, as well as the (AFRL) through collaborators such as Justin Gravett via (SBIR) grants. This distributed leadership model has ensured sustained progress while integrating diverse perspectives from government and academic sectors. Key milestones in OpenVSP's evolution include the release of version 3.0.0 in January 2015, which featured a near-total rewrite of the codebase and introduced enhanced meshing capabilities, such as improved MeshGeom support and integration for more accurate surface fitting. In 2016, version 3.9.0 integrated VSPAERO, an aerodynamic analysis solver, with comprehensive GUI updates and enhancements to streamline panel method simulations directly within the tool. In July 2025, version 3.44.0 added advanced modeling for components, including and tire/rim details, alongside aircraft center-of-gravity (CG) envelope specification to support stability assessments in conceptual designs. More recently, as of September 2025, version 3.46.0 was released, incorporating bug fixes and further refinements to geometry analysis tools. These updates reflect a commitment to expanding parametric capabilities for complex configurations. The project has experienced substantial growth, with 21 contributors collaborating via to submit code, report issues, and refine features, indicating active global engagement from the aerospace community. Despite this momentum, developers face ongoing challenges, such as preserving backward compatibility for existing models during major updates to avoid disrupting user workflows, and tackling the complexities of supersonic modeling, where panel methods encounter difficulties with shockwave representation and degenerate geometries in configurations like blended wings.

Software features

User interface and scripting

OpenVSP features a (GUI) constructed using the Fast Light Toolkit (), a cross-platform library that enables efficient rendering and interaction across Windows, macOS, and systems. The interface launches with a primary workspace dedicated to 3D visualization of the aircraft model, allowing users to manipulate parametric geometries in real time. Accompanying this is the Geometry Browser, which organizes and manages model components hierarchically, enabling users to add, delete, or select elements like wings or fuselages via dropdown menus and context options. Toolbars provide quick access to parameterization controls, such as sliders and input fields for adjusting dimensions, scales, and alignments, facilitating iterative design refinements without disrupting the workflow. Interaction within the GUI emphasizes intuitive navigation and visualization, powered by OpenGL for real-time rendering of wireframe, hidden-line, or shaded views. Users can pan, zoom, and rotate the model using mouse controls—left-click for rotation, right-click for translation, and wheel or middle-click for zooming—while keyboard shortcuts like function keys (F1–F12) switch to preset or custom views, and the 'c' key centers the display. Section views and cross-section editors further aid in detailed inspections, with a dedicated window for examining airfoil profiles or structural slices. Parametric adjustments support full undo/redo functionality, limited to the active component in the Geometry Browser, ensuring reversible changes during exploration of design variations. This setup supports rapid iteration in geometry modeling workflows by combining visual feedback with precise controls. For programmatic access, OpenVSP integrates scripting capabilities to automate tasks and extend functionality, particularly useful for and integration with external tools. The embedded engine allows scripts in C++-like syntax to be executed directly from the GUI via the File menu or as standalone .vspscript files, with custom scripts (.vsppart) auto-loading for reusable components. Python bindings, generated using , enable automation through the openvsp module, requiring a compatible Python version for installation and supporting headless operation. integration is provided via a source-based wrapper, allowing users to compile and link OpenVSP for scripted model generation and analysis within environments. These APIs expose core functions for creation, view manipulation, and , enhancing usability for repetitive or complex iterations. Accessibility features in the GUI include customizable layouts, where windows can be resized, repositioned, or docked to suit user preferences, alongside extensive keyboard shortcuts for efficient operation. Screenshots and animations can be exported directly from the view , capturing rendered models for or presentation. The interface has seen enhancements for improved multi-component handling, such as the Set Editors, which streamline grouping, copying, and renaming of components to manage complex assemblies more effectively.

Geometry modeling

OpenVSP's geometry modeling capabilities center on parametric components that enable the construction of vehicle geometries through intuitive, engineering-focused parameterization. Core components include fuselages, which model streamlined bodies such as aircraft bodies, nacelles, or nozzles by placing cross-sections along a design axis and applying skinning to generate smooth, continuous surfaces; these cross-sections can be positioned using monotonic, loop, or free policies, with end caps (e.g., flat or rounded) ensuring closure for watertight models. Wings are defined by planform parameters like span, area, and mean chord, combined with airfoil cross-sections that support multi-section configurations for tapered or swept designs. Stacks facilitate multi-fuselage or complex buildup geometries by sequentially adding translated and rotated cross-sections, ideal for parametric variations in sections like cockpits or tails without fixed ordering constraints. Surfaces, including blended and higher-order types, are created via lofting techniques that interpolate between guide curves, allowing for smooth transitions in wing-fuselage blends or arbitrary higher-order Bezier patches. Advanced modeling extends to specialized elements for realistic vehicle assemblies. Conformal geometries, such as cowlings or fairings, adapt to the of parent components like fuselages or wings, with trimming options based on U, L, or coordinates to fit precisely. Ducts and elements, including inlets, nozzles, propellers, and engine nacelles, are parameterized as fuselage-like components or custom stacks, supporting flowthrough modeling for inlets and variable pitch for propellers. A notable addition in version 3.44.0 is the built-in component, which includes s with variable effective radii and rim details, bogies configurable for multiple wheels, and suspension systems simulating extension, compression, and about axles or bogies to model realistic ground handling behaviors; version 3.46.0 further expanded options for this component. Parameterization in OpenVSP relies on a driver-based system that links user-defined parameters for automated scaling, positioning, and of components; for instance, drivers can tie wing span to length or morph airfoils via scaling factors. The generator supports series like 4-, 5-, and 6-digit profiles, automatically computing coordinates from parameters such as , camber location, and design . methods, primarily through , blend cross-sections with control over feature lines, enabling parametric sweeps for dihedral, twist, or curvature adjustments across sections. Techniques for assembling complex geometries incorporate Boolean operations via the Computational Geometry (Comp Geom) tool, which performs unions and intersections to merge components into cohesive, non-overlapping structures. Symmetry enforcement applies at multiple levels, including component-level mirroring (e.g., X-Z plane for bilateral symmetry) or radial patterns, and skinning-level flags that equate top-bottom or left-right feature lines to maintain geometric consistency. Intersection handling in Comp Geom resolves overlaps in assemblies, computing trimmed surfaces and edge curves to prevent gaps or penetrations in multi-component models like wing-fuselage junctions. Validation features ensure model integrity through built-in checks for geometric consistency, such as detecting self-intersections or non-manifold edges, and verifying watertightness by confirming closed volumes suitable for meshing or export; the Geometry Analysis Manager, introduced in version 3.44.0, runs targeted checks like interference detection and gear positioning to flag issues in complex configurations.

Analysis tools

OpenVSP integrates several built-in analysis tools for performing preliminary engineering evaluations directly on parametric models, enabling rapid assessment of aerodynamic, structural, and performance characteristics during . These tools leverage the software's geometry representation to compute key metrics without requiring external solvers, supporting workflows. Users specify parameters such as flight conditions and material properties to generate outputs including coefficients, visualizations, and reports, which inform early-stage decisions on vehicle configuration. The VSPAERO tool implements a vortex lattice method (VLM) for subsonic and aerodynamic analysis, estimating loads, stability derivatives, and induced drag on lifting surfaces represented as thin panels. It also supports a panel method for incorporating viscous effects through corrections, allowing computation of total drag including parasite components. Inputs include , , and control surface deflections, while outputs consist of force and moment coefficients (e.g., CLC_L, CDC_D), stability derivatives like CmαC_{m_\alpha}, and pressure distributions visualized via integrated viewers. This method is particularly suited for high-aspect-ratio wings and fuselages in preliminary sizing, though it assumes with approximations for . CompGeom provides essential geometric computations, including theoretical wetted areas, volumes, and surface for the entire model or selected components. It employs algorithms to generate triangulated meshes that capture internal and external surfaces, facilitating downstream analyses. Users input the model and optional slicing planes, yielding outputs such as total volume fractions and mesh files for visualization. This tool is foundational for other analyses, ensuring accurate surface representations without manual meshing. Mass Properties analysis calculates overall mass distribution, center of gravity (CG), and moments of inertia by assigning densities or mass-per-area to components. It aggregates contributions from solids, shells, and point masses, producing a detailed report with total mass, principal inertias, and CG coordinates relative to reference points. Inputs involve material properties and set selections, with outputs including static margin estimates for stability checks. This enables quick evaluation of balance and handling qualities in early design phases; version 3.46.0 added simple and detailed mass properties calculations for routing geometries. The Parasite Drag Buildup tool estimates zero-lift drag using semi-empirical methods, breaking down contributions from friction, form, and interference across model surfaces. It applies skin friction correlations (e.g., laminar via Blasius, turbulent via White-Chen) and form factor equations, including those from Hoerner for bodies and wings, adjusted for Reynolds number and surface roughness. Users define atmospheric conditions, reference lengths, and laminar flow percentages (typically 10-20% for aircraft), resulting in a drag polar report with CD0C_{D_0} breakdowns and excrescence factors for items like antennas. This approach supports detailed buildup for conventional configurations but relies on user-defined groupings for accuracy. Wave Drag analysis focuses on supersonic regimes, approximating zero-lift wave drag via linear theory and the for fuselage-wing interference minimization. It slices the model to compute cross-sectional area distributions at specified Mach numbers, estimating drag rise due to and lift effects. Inputs include and slicing increments, with outputs providing drag coefficients and equivalent body profiles for optimization. This tool aids in shaping fuselages for and supersonic cruise efficiency. In version 3.44.0, released on July 15, 2025, OpenVSP introduced Geometry Analysis tools, including interference checks for external, internal, and self-intersections to detect overlaps or gaps in assemblies. These also encompass CG envelope generation, which maps allowable mass distributions against stability limits using user-defined bounds. Accessed via a new manager interface, they output quantitative reports and visualizations to support automated design validation. Collectively, these tools provide low-fidelity, rapid-turnaround results ideal for conceptual iteration, though they are not substitutes for high-fidelity (CFD) or finite element analysis. Meshes from CompGeom can be exported for integration with advanced external simulations. VSPAERO aerodynamic outputs from OpenVSP can be exported for integration into broader stability and control analyses.

Compatibility and integration

OpenVSP supports importing external geometry and mesh data in several standard formats to facilitate incorporation of pre-existing models, scans, or meshes into parametric vehicle designs. Key import formats include STL for triangulated surface meshes, Cart3D (.tri) for surface triangulations, PLOT3D (.p3d) for rectilinear volume data converted to wireframes, and OBJ for mesh-based geometry, enabling seamless integration of scanned or third-party components. For exporting models to downstream applications, OpenVSP provides versatile output options tailored to CAD, CFD, and FEA workflows. CAD-compatible exports include STL, STEP (.stp), and (.igs) formats, which preserve surface definitions and assemblies for further refinement in tools like or . Since version 3.21.0, STEP exports have supported trimmed surfaces and BREP solids for improved fidelity in complex assemblies, reducing the need for downstream in CAD environments. CFD meshing is supported via (.msh) and XYZ point cloud files, while FEA integration uses NASTRAN (.dat) for structural meshes; additionally, specific surface formats such as Cart3D (.tri) and PLOT3D are directly compatible with solvers like SU2, (via STL to snappyHexMesh), and FUN3D. OpenVSP integrates with external optimization and simulation ecosystems through its and parametric capabilities. It establishes parametric links with frameworks like Dakota for aerodynamic , where parameters are iteratively updated based on analysis feedback. The C++ , accessible via wrappers in and Python, enables embedding OpenVSP in workflows such as / for multidisciplinary design studies, allowing scripted manipulation and exchange. Compliance with industry standards enhances OpenVSP's interoperability, particularly through (STEP) for neutral CAD exchange, ensuring robust transfer of complex geometries without proprietary dependencies. The software handles unit conversions and scaling during import/export, defaulting to inches internally but supporting rescaling for outputs like FEA meshes to match target solver requirements.

Community and resources

Model repositories

The OpenVSP Hangar served as the original community repository for sharing parametric models created with the software, operating from its launch on , 2012, until its decommissioning around 2023. It allowed users to and .vsp3 files, with features including automatic tagging of models by file version for easier discovery and search functionality based on parameters such as model type. Examples of shared models included recreations of historical , providing starting points for users in . Due to ongoing maintenance challenges—stemming from its initial development by a contributor who later moved on—the became defunct, prompting the migration of its data to a new platform. On August 22, 2024, the OpenVSP Airshow was announced as its fully rewritten successor, with all compatible v3 models from the ported over during a migration process completed by June 27, 2024. The Airshow enhances model sharing through an efficient multi-word , a community-driven upload and download system, and sections highlighting latest contributions, while supporting user comments for interaction. Usage of models in both repositories follows community guidelines emphasizing discretion, as there is no formal validation of model accuracy or completeness by the OpenVSP team. Shared models are typically licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike (CC-BY-SA) to promote open reuse, with community moderation handled through user feedback and contributions rather than centralized oversight. Over the combined lifespan of these platforms, hundreds of models have been shared, with 341 models available in the Airshow as of November 2025, facilitating , design inspiration, and benchmarking for engineers and students.

Educational programs

The OpenVSP Ground School is NASA's online tutorial program, hosted at the Langley Research Center's VSPU site (vspu.larc.nasa.gov), designed to guide users of all experience levels through the parametric geometry design tool. Developed by Brandon Litherland since its launch in 2020, it serves as a comprehensive library of instructional content focused on practical application and best practices. The program features video demonstrations paired with downloadable example files for hands-on practice, covering beginner-level topics such as basics and creating initial models, as well as intermediate and advanced subjects like parameterization (including NACA series profiles), VSPAERO aerodynamic analysis, and parasite drag estimation. Content progresses from foundational geometry modeling to scripting for optimization, enabling learners to build complete vehicle designs step-by-step. Complementing the Ground School, official documentation includes detailed user manuals and API guides available on the OpenVSP website, while the project's YouTube channel offers supplementary topic-specific videos for visual reinforcement. These resources integrate example files that draw from community-contributed models for practical exercises. As a free, self-paced initiative, the Ground School remains actively updated with new tutorial pages and videos to reflect evolving software features.

Workshops and events

The OpenVSP workshops originated with the inaugural event held August 22–24, 2012, in , bringing together developers and users to discuss the tool's progress and applications. These events have occurred annually thereafter, except in 2018 when the workshop was cancelled. The 2020 and 2021 workshops transitioned to fully online formats in response to the . The 2024 workshop was hosted in person at the in , Washington, from August 13–15. The 2025 workshop, conducted virtually July 8–10, centered on advancements in geometry analysis and the VSPAERO aerodynamic solver. Workshops follow a structured format including hands-on tutorials, technical presentations on emerging features, attendee-led contributions such as show-and-tell sessions, and dedicated time for networking among participants. For instance, the 2025 event featured sessions on landing gear modeling and auxiliary geometries alongside geometry analysis demonstrations. Key outcomes from these gatherings include the publication of proceedings with slides and materials, as well as comprehensive video recordings posted on the official OpenVSP YouTube channel for broader accessibility. Participant feedback directly informs software development, leading to targeted enhancements in subsequent releases, such as VSPAERO improvements implemented after the 2025 workshop. Attendance typically ranges from 50 to 100 participants, drawing professionals from academia, industry, agencies like , and independent users; registration remains free, often supported by sponsorships to cover venue and streaming costs. Beyond standalone workshops, OpenVSP content has been integrated into sessions at AIAA conferences, fostering wider dissemination of tool updates and applications. The in-person and virtual tutorials during workshops build on and extend the foundational materials in the OpenVSP Ground School online program.

References

  1. https://openvsp.org/learn.shtml
  2. https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/6.2022-0004
  3. https://openvsp.org/license.shtml
  4. https://openvsp.org/
  5. https://www.nasa.gov/reference/openvsp-modeling-introduction/
  6. https://www.nasa.gov/reference/openvsp-vspaero-basics/
  7. https://www.nasa.gov/reference/openvsp-attributes/
  8. https://www.nasa.gov/software/openvsp-ground-school/
  9. https://github.com/OpenVSP/OpenVSP
  10. https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2016/pdf/t_6.pdf
  11. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2015/04/29/openvsp-3-1-0-and-vspaero-released
  12. https://openvsp.org/download.php
  13. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2025/09/30/openvsp-3-46-0-released
  14. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2025/07/15/openvsp-3-44-0-released
  15. https://openvsp.org/participate.shtml
  16. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19990105723/downloads/19990105723.pdf
  17. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20100003046/downloads/20100003046.pdf
  18. https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2016/t_6.html
  19. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2012/01/10/openvsp-released-as-open-source-software
  20. https://openvsp.org/team.shtml
  21. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2015/01/04/openvsp-3-0-0-released
  22. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2016/08/21/openvsp-3-9-0-vspaero-3-0-and-the-openvsp-workshop
  23. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357594236_Supersonic_Configurations_at_Low_Speeds_SCALOS_Test_Simulation_Correlation_Studies
  24. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/training-content/chapter-1-vspfundamentals/
  25. https://openvsp.org/api_docs/latest/
  26. https://www.nasa.gov/reference/general-openvsp-component-controls/
  27. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/training-content/chapter-3-model-analysis-in-openvsp/vspaero-basics/
  28. https://openvsp.org/api_docs/latest/group___v_s_p_a_e_r_o.html
  29. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/training-content/chapter-3-model-analysis-in-openvsp/comp-geom/
  30. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/training-content/chapter-3-model-analysis-in-openvsp/mass-properties-analysis/
  31. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/training-content/chapter-3-model-analysis-in-openvsp/parasite-drag/
  32. https://openvsp.org/wiki/doku.php?id=parasitedrag
  33. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1435/
  34. https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/11/5/359
  35. https://openvsp.org/api_docs/latest/group___enumerations.html
  36. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/training-content/chapter-4-import-and-export-capabilities/importing-files/
  37. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2020/04/11/openvsp-3-21-0-released
  38. https://uruae.org/siteadmin/upload/3887AE0323109.pdf
  39. https://www.icas.org/icas_archive/ICAS2016/data/papers/2016_0174_paper.pdf
  40. https://openvsp.org/api_docs/latest/group___file_i_o.html
  41. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2023/03/01/openvsp-3-32-0-released
  42. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2012/07/24/vsp-hangar-launched
  43. https://groups.google.com/g/openvsp/c/_GhDHYfqLNc
  44. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2015/03/26/openvsp-hangar-now-supports-v3-files
  45. https://openvsp.org/news.shtml
  46. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2024/08/22/openvsp-airshow-is-live
  47. https://airshow.openvsp.org/about
  48. https://airshow.openvsp.org/
  49. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/
  50. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2020/04/06/openvsp-ground-school-is-open
  51. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20205007074/downloads/VSP-WS20%2520VSP%2520Ground%2520School.pdf
  52. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/author/blitherl/
  53. https://openvsp.org/docs.shtml
  54. https://openvsp.org/start.shtml
  55. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/posts/
  56. https://openvsp.org/blogs/rob-mcdonald/2012/09/10/workshop-in-review
  57. https://openvsp.org/blogs/2018/08
  58. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/2020/08/the-fully-virtual-2020-openvsp-workshop-is-coming-soon/
  59. https://groups.google.com/g/openvsp/c/dt1cvbczz3M
  60. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2024/02/28/openvsp-workshop-2024
  61. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2025/02/21/openvsp-workshop-2025-save-the-date
  62. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0VVl2gryyUF0F26WVfa62Bxb-Hhf62ab
  63. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvTGHKiNx4Q
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn1qsW3zWZk
  65. https://openvsp.org/blogs/announcements/2025/07/19/openvsp-3-45-0-released
  66. https://groups.google.com/g/openvsp/c/HOuxKaimyl4
  67. https://vspu.larc.nasa.gov/2022/07/openvsp-workshop-2022-reminder/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.