The challenge and promise of blended-wing-body optimization

The objective of this research is to investigate the trade-off between operating cost and environmental acceptability of commercial aircraft. This involves optimizing the aircraft design and mission to minimize operating cost while constraining exterior noise and emissions. Growth in air traffic and airport neighboring communities has resulted in increased pressure to severely penalize airlines that do not meet strict local noise and emissions requirements. As a result, environmental concerns have become potent driving forces in commercial aviation. Traditionally, aircraft have been first designed to meet performance and cost goals, and adjusted to satisfy the environmental requirements at given airports. The focus of the present study is to determine the feasibility of including noise and emissions constraints in the early design of the aircraft and mission. This paper introduces the design tool and results from a case study involving a 250-passenger airliner.

show abstract

“…22,23 Continuing studies using the present design method will indicate the potential for this concept to minimize environmental impact. …”

Section: Future Workmentioning

confidence: 90%

Aircraft Optimization for Minimal Environmental Impact

Antoine

Kroo

2004

Journal of Aircraft

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For example, in Wakayama [40], through MDO it was determined that increasing the sweep of the wings could alleviate a balance problem in the Blended-Wing-Body aircraft. The details of the planform were subsequently refined using high-fidelity computational fluid dynamic analysis.…”

Section: A Real Need For Visualization In Mdomentioning

confidence: 99%

Physically-Based, Real-Time Visualization and Constraint Analysis in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

Deremaux

Willcox

Haimes

2003

33rd AIAA Fluid Dynamics Conference and Exhibit

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

As computational tools becomes a valuable part of the engineering process, multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) has become a popular approach for the design of complex engineering systems. MDO has had considerable impact by improving the performance, lowering the lifecycle cost and shortening product design time for complex systems; however, lack of knowledge on the design process is often expressed by the engineering community. This thesis addresses this issue by proposing a novel approach that brings visualization into the MDO framework and delivers a physically-based real-time constraint analysis and visualization.A framework and methodology are presented for effective, intuitive visualization of design optimization data. The visualization is effected on a Computer-Aided-Design (CAD)-based, physical representation of the system being designed. The use of a parametric CAD model allow real-time regeneration by using the Computational Analysis PRogramming Interface (CAPRI). CAPRI is used to link a general optimization framework to the CAD model. An example is presented for multidisciplinary design optimization of an aircraft.The new methodology is used to visualize the path of the optimizer through the design space. Visualizing the optimization process is also of interest for optimization health monitoring. By detecting flaws in the optimization definition, useless computations and time can be saved. Visualization of the optimization process enables the designer to rapidly gain physical understanding of the design tradeoffs made by the optimizer. The visualization framework is also used to investigate constraint behavior. Active constraints are displayed on the CAD model and the participation of design variables in a given constraint is represented in a physically intuitive manner.This novel visualization approach serves to dramatically increase the amount of learning that can be gained from design optimization tools and also proves useful as a diagnostic tool for identifying formulation errors. The ACDL has been a wonderful place to work, but also to socialize and meet people.Garrett, on the other side of the wall, has been great teaching me Latex ("One day to learn, a lifetime to master") and giving me so many insights on the American culture. Life in the lab would have been different without the French speaking crew (David, Jérome, Hector and Matthieu) and the many special people that made each day unexpected (Mark, Victor and Vivian). Thank you to Joe, for sharing these many hockey moments that helped me stay fit and sane ! Other people at MIT also deserve a particular thank: Franck, Manu and JB.Of course, I must acknowledged my family across the Atlantic. A lot of emails, Yahoo messenger discussions and phone calls can easily bring a piece of France to the US. And yes, Laetitia, I will graduate after you, but at least, I am finally graduating ! Finally, I could not end this section without talking about Carole. I wanted to deeply thank her for listening to me day after day, for supporting me ...

show abstract

“…WingMOD was initially applied to the design of a composite wing for a stretched MD-90 10 and then went through considerable modification for application to the BWB 11,12 . The BWB planform is modeled as a series of spanwise elements as shown in Figure 2.…”

Section: Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The BWB planform is modeled as a series of spanwise elements as shown in Figure 2. Optimization services for WingMOD are provided by the Genie framework 11 . The basic WingMOD method models an aircraft wing and tail with a simple vortex-lattice code and monocoque beam analysis, coupled to give static aeroelastic loads.…”

Section: Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simultaneous Optimization of a Multiple-Aircraft Family

Willcox

Wakayama

2002

43rd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Multidisciplinary design optimization is considered in the context of designing a family of aircraft. A framework is developed in which multiple aircraft, each with different missions but sharing common parts, can be optimized simultaneously. The new framework is used to gain insight to the effect of design variable scaling on the optimization algorithm. Results are presented for a two-member family whose individual missions differ significantly. Both missions can be satisfied with common designs. Moreover, optimizing both planes simultaneously rather than following the traditional baseline plus derivative approach vastly improves the common solution. A cost modeling framework is outlined that allows the value of commonality to be quantified for design and manufacturing costs. A notional example is presented to show the cost benefit that may be achieved by designing a common family of aircraft.

show abstract

The challenge and promise of blended-wing-body optimization

Cited by 47 publications

References 7 publications

Aircraft Optimization for Minimal Environmental Impact

Aircraft Optimization for Minimal Environmental Impact

Physically-Based, Real-Time Visualization and Constraint Analysis in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

Simultaneous Optimization of a Multiple-Aircraft Family

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About