I have a project due 2 weeks from now that demands we make a glider using Styrofoam. I'd like to simulate the results as I plan my glider before I build it.
Which simple software, which allows importing a 3D model to do the testing on, can give me data on
based on initial velocity, etc.?
If you have only two weeks it may be best not to go running into a maze, but you may wish to have simple and complex approaches running side by side.
As others have said, it would be helpful to know the parameters of your assignment. Are they interested in the theory, or do they want to see something flying?
The most important thing will be the airfoil shape as far as lift and drag, but glider airfoils are easily obtained on the Net (airfoil tools). Next would be wing loading, which can be obtained from existing models and data from birds. Design can be your choice, but starting from scratch, a standard sailplane planform will serve well.
Remember to have your CG near your Clift, slightly forward, and your elevator trim slightly up. For an indoor free flight glider a high aspect wing with some dihedral and an upright vertical stabilizer will help make it fly straight.
Although the theory behind gliders is well known, getting one to fly right will be a learning curve from scratch. Leave at least 2 days for test flights, and plan on extra Styrofoam and glue for repairs. Good luck!
Based on the original and a bit too-broad question:
Look into XFLR5, a basic design program that does airfoil design and analysis, and can do some more advanced computations such as stability and eigenvalues. It is mostly useful for glider model design, but can be generalized if you know what you are doing.
There are many ways to approach this. For the bounding I suspect you want, one might try Simulink, which has a model for the DHC-2 and the Cessna 208. In 2004 I used the model for the Caravan (208) and built some good models very quickly. Simulink runs with MATLAB.
The Simulink toolkit which the DHC-2 and Cessna 208 models are built upon, handles flight dynamics and control.
Since 2004, my usage of the above has only been situational and sporadic, but you may find a user group or some such group which can help you kickstart your design effort.
A professional software is this: http://darcorp.com/Software/AAA/
From the website:
Advanced Aircraft Analysis (AAA) is a comprehensive airplane design program that gives its users full authority over the entire preliminary design process. From weight and performance sizing to aerodynamics and stability and control analysis, you can monitor all aspects of the design every step of the way.
What you seem to want to do is analyze an airplane before you actually designed it though.
