AIAA 99-2108 Three Dimensional Optimization of Supersonic Inlets

An innovative design methodology has been implemented and used to address the intricate exercise of high speed inlets design. An eecient and robust process allows to optimize the aerodynamic performance of inlets. This optimization process links together an optimizer with a fast and accurate simulation tool into an automated optimization loop. This paper presents the implementation of these new design techniques and their application to a Mach 3 inlet case. The signiicant improvements obtained using two diierent optimizers are presented and compared. The results of these optimizations have been veriied using a full Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes solver. All the following results are thoroughly analysed and placed into an industrial context.