A framework for high-fidelity aerostructural optimization of aircraft configurations

A framework for high-fidelity aerostructural optimization is presented. The aerostructural modeling consists of a three dimensional computational fluid dynamics code coupled with a finite element structural model. Given the highly coupled nature of this aerostructural problem, a multidisciplinary feasible (MDF) approach is proposed for the optimization. This approach is facilitated by a lagged-coupled adjoint, implemented using the ADjoint technique to sensitivity analysis. The ADjoint technique allows for the computation accurate sensitivities in an efficient manner. A coupled adjoint system is solved for the acrostructural sensitivities, which is equivalent to using a block-Jacobi method on the full coupled adjoint system. The structural portion of the system is solved using the finite element package, while the CFD portion of the system is solved using PETSc. Aerostructural solutions are presented, together with sensitivity analysis results. The sensitivities are shown to be accurate and efficiently computed, which will make possible the aerostructural optimization of aircraft configurations.