Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of Aerial Vehicles: A Review of Recent Advancements

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the most common practices in multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) of aerial vehicles over the past decade. The literature sample is identified through established internet search engines, and a stringent review methodology is implemented in order to ensure the selection of the most relevant sources. In this work, the primary emphasis is on the assessment of the state-of-the-art framework development strategies, while at a secondary level, the objective is to identify the possible improvement directions by evaluating the research trends and gaps. As an additional contribution, statistical studies are also provided, and it is shown how MDO of aerial vehicles has evolved in terms of problem formulation, disciplinary modeling, analysis capabilities, tool implementation, and general applicability. Given this foundation as well as the results of the review, this work concludes by presenting a roadmap for guiding academia and industry in respect to the application of MDO on aerial vehicles. Overall, the roadmap together with the literature review is not only expected to serve as a guide for newcomers into the MDO field but also as an elementary basis which will allow researchers to conduct additional studies in this important and constantly evolving area of design.

Conceptual Design for Long-Endurance Convertible Unmanned Aerial System

“…In the same review done by Papageorgiou et al [6], they found that 52% of the aerodynamics models used in MDO were reduced order models (Panel codes), 11% medium resolution (Euler Solvers or coarse CFD simulations) and 37% high resolution (Full CFD simulation).…”

“…In a review conducted by Papageorgiou et al on the advancements in MDO of aerial vehicles [6] it has been shown that the mass estimation discipline is the second most common discipline when it comes to aerial vehicles design. This is evident since vehicle mass is pivotal to the aerodynamic and performance calculations, which will ultimately be one of the most influential variables in the optimization [7].…”

“…This reduces time during mass estimation instead of using costly high-fidelity models such as data from CAD. Moreover review from Papageorgiou has shown that 77% of the aerial vehicle MDO use low fidelity mass models [6].…”

“…Papageorgiou et al also found that the structural analysis was present in 66% of the studies and was the third most common discipline [6]. In the context of the current optimization problem, the structural analysis is chosen to be applied only to the wing spars, to ensure the structural integrity of the wing in the most severe flight conditions defined by maximal normal load factor.…”

A framework for enhanced decision-making in aircraft conceptual design optimisation under uncertainty

“…An often-overlooked challenge is graphical visualisation and its role in decision-making. A review article on the state of the art and common practices in MDO of aerial vehicles (18) identifies an increasingly important demand for frameworks with capabilities related to post-processing of optimisation results and design space visualisation in an efficient and intuitive way to better assist in the decision-making process. This shortage is even more severe in OUU due to the inherent increase in problem dimensionality.…”