A case for multi-level optimisation in aeronautical design

Robinson, G.M. and Keane, A.J. (1998) A case for multi-level optimisation in aeronautical design. In Proceedings of the Royal Aeronautical Society Conference on Multidisciplinary Design and Optimisation. Royal Aeronautical Society. pp. 1-6 .

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

This paper discusses how the inevitable limitations of computing power available to designers has restricted adoption of optimisation as an essential design tool. It is argued that this situation will continue until optimisation algorithms are developed which utilise the range of available analysis methods in a manner more like human designers. The concept of multi-level algorithms is introduced and a case made for their adoption as the way forward. The issues to be addressed in the development of multi-level algorithms are highlighted.
The paper goes on to discuss a system developed at Southampton University to act as a test bed for multi-level algorithms deployed on a realistic design task. The Southampton University Multi-level Wing Design Environment integrates drag estimation algorithms ranging from an empirical code to an Euler CFD code, covering a 150,000 fold difference in computational cost. A simple multi-level optimization of a civil transport aircraft wing is presented.

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