UNICADO: multidisciplinary analysis in conceptual aircraft design

Abstract

In this paper, different iterative methods, so-called architectures, within the multidisciplinary analysis in conceptual aircraft design of the UNICADO software are elaborated, applied and analyzed. Possible execution sequences in the sequential method (Gauss-Seidel architecture) are derived via a graph-based algorithm in combination with expert knowledge. Sensitivities of the design disciplines are analyzed and a permitted residual for stable convergence characteristic for the aircraft design with UNICADO is derived. Prerequisites for the application of a parallel iterative method, the Jacobi architecture are conducted. Runtime and convergence characteristics of the Gauss-Seidel architecture and the Jacobi architecture are evaluated. A damping method is applied to the Jacobi architecture to enhance the convergence characteristics. The Gauss-Seidel and Jacobi architectures are used to design two different aircraft, the CSR and the CSMR, with an iteration accuracy of 2.5e–3. For these use cases studied, the Gauss-Seidel architecture converges more stably and faster than the Jacobi architecture and is, therefore, the more favorable. The aircraft design with the implemented Jacobi architecture oscillates and does not converge. Only with an implemented damping method, convergence is achieved. If the iteration time of the design loop increases, e.g., when using higher fidelity methods for aircraft design, the choice of architecture must be re-evaluated.

Intelligent Design Methodology: A Fusion of Fuzzy Logic, Axiomatic Design, and Meta-Heuristic Optimization for Airplane Design

“…The culmination of these efforts yields a harmonious synthesis of form and function, representing the culmination of decades of aerospace engineering prowess and innovation [27]. While Roskam's method remains a traditional and conventional cornerstone of airplane design, recent years have witnessed numerous research endeavours aimed at enhancing Roskam's method through various approaches [28]. Thus, the initial phase of the design process involves the adoption of conventional airplane design principles, as outlined by the Roskam method.…”

“…are coefficients of fuel fraction in different flight phases (starting the engine and take-offfff to landing and turning off the engine), whose values are given in Table 10 .The coefficients for 𝑀 𝑓𝑓 were extracted from Roskam's method, yielding the following results : The range and loiter time are critical factors influenced by both customer requirements and adherence to FAR25 regulations. In this study, which centres on a turboprop airplane, the correlation between range and loiter is established through Breguet's equation, resulting in the following relationships [28]: (loiter) (7) In Equation 6 and 7, (𝑅) is the range of the airplane, (𝐶 𝑃 ) is specific fuel consumption, (𝜂 𝑃 ) is the propeller efficiency and ( 𝐿 𝐷 ⁄ ) is the lift-to-drag ratio. The values of 𝐿 𝐷 ⁄ , 𝐶 𝑃 , and 𝜂 𝑃 Are selected from Roskam's method [33] for the conceptual phase.…”

“…Such endeavours are subject to comprehensive considerations encompassing aspects of innovation, cost-effectiveness, weight optimization, capacity constraints, and other pertinent factors. These considerations are meticulously addressed by leveraging knowledge sources, as elucidated above (refer also to Figure 12) [28]. As illustrated in Figure 13, it is evident that wing configuration, structural technology, and propulsion selection exert the most significant influence on the design process.…”

An Orchestration Method for Integrated Multi-Disciplinary Simulation in Digital Twin Applications

“…In fact, many publications were found that made extensive use of the available tools, and it was noticed that their application focused mainly on the design [22,23] and optimisation [24][25][26] of specific structures or systems of the aircraft. In some cases, the main focus was the preliminary sizing through specifically made tools, such as UNICADO [27].…”