A gradient-based Newton–Krylov algorithm for aerodynamic shape optimization is applied to lift maximization of a multi-element landing configuration. The governing flow equations are the two-dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes equations in conjunction with a one-equation transport turbulence model. The objective function gradient is computed via the discrete-adjoint method. The design exampl...

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...

Since the present author first became involved in computational fluid dynamics, around 1970, the landscape has changed dramatically. At that time, panel methods had just come into use, and the world’s fastest super computer, the Control data 6600, had only 131000 words of memory (about 1 megabyte). Prior to the break-through of Murman and Cole [1970], no viable algorithms for computing transoni...

The solution of a multiobjective multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) using a genetic algorithm (GA) is considered. The objective functions in the optimization problem measure the aerodynamic feasibility based on the drag and lift coefficients and the electromagnetic feasibility based on the backscatter of the two-dimensional airfoil designs. The flow and backscatter are modeled by the t...

This paper focuses on the demonstration of a new integrated aero-structural design method for aerospace vehicles. The approach combines an aero-structural analysis solver, a coupled aero-structural adjoint solver, a geometry-based analysis and design integration strategy, and an efficient gradient-based optimization algorithm. The aero-structural solver ensures highly accurate solutions by usin...

Aerodynamic drag force breakdown of a typical transport aircraft shows that lift-induced drag can amount to as much as 40% of total drag at cruise conditions and 80-90% of the total drag in take-off configuration. One way of reducing lift-induced drag is by using wing-tip devices. By applying several types of winglets, which are already used on commercial airplanes, we study their influence on ...

Design engineers often employ numerical optimization techniques to assist in the evaluation and comparison of new aircraft conngurations. While the use of numerical optimization methods is largely successful, the presence of numerical noise in realistic engineering optimization problems often inhibits the use of many gradient-based optimization techniques. Numerical noise causes inaccurate grad...

This paper presents a framework for multi-objective and multidisciplinary design optimization using highfidelity analysis tools. In this framework the aerodynamic performance is evaluated based on a Navier–Stokes equation solver, and the structure dynamics is computed using commercially available finite element software. We employ a genetic algorithm as a robust design optimization tool to faci...