Article: Variable-fidelity aerodynamic shape optimisation of single-element airfoils at high-lift conditions Journal: International Journal of Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Optimisation (IJMMNO) 2011 Vol.2 No.2 pp.194 - 212 Abstract: A computationally efficient simulation-driven variable-fidelity design methodology for single-element airfoils at high-lift conditions is described. Direct optimisation of an accurate but computationally expensive high-fidelity simulation model based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and a one equation turbulence model is replaced by iterative updating and re-optimisation of a cheap surrogate. The surrogate model exploits a low-fidelity model (a polynomial approximation of the high-fidelity model data) and appropriate correction that aim at aligning its corresponding airfoil surface pressure distribution and skin friction distribution with that of the high-fidelity model using a shape-preserving response prediction technique. The test cases include lift coefficient maximisation of single-element airfoils at high-lift conditions, subject to a constraint on the drag coefficient. Over 83% reduction in the number of high-fidelity model simulations is demonstrated when compared to high-fidelity model optimisation using a pattern-search algorithm. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Variable-fidelity aerodynamic shape optimisation of single-element airfoils at high-lift conditions

Authors: Slawomir Koziel, Leifur Leifsson

Addresses: Engineering Optimization and Modeling Center, School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik University, Menntavegur 1, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. ' Engineering Optimization and Modeling Center, School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik University, Menntavegur 1, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland

Abstract: A computationally efficient simulation-driven variable-fidelity design methodology for single-element airfoils at high-lift conditions is described. Direct optimisation of an accurate but computationally expensive high-fidelity simulation model based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and a one equation turbulence model is replaced by iterative updating and re-optimisation of a cheap surrogate. The surrogate model exploits a low-fidelity model (a polynomial approximation of the high-fidelity model data) and appropriate correction that aim at aligning its corresponding airfoil surface pressure distribution and skin friction distribution with that of the high-fidelity model using a shape-preserving response prediction technique. The test cases include lift coefficient maximisation of single-element airfoils at high-lift conditions, subject to a constraint on the drag coefficient. Over 83% reduction in the number of high-fidelity model simulations is demonstrated when compared to high-fidelity model optimisation using a pattern-search algorithm.

Keywords: airfoil shape optimisation; computational fluid dynamics; CFD; high-lift; surrogate-based optimisation; SBO; variable-fidelity modelling; aerodynamic shapes; aerodynamics; simulation; airfoils; surface pressure distribution; skin friction distribution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMNO.2011.039428

International Journal of Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Optimisation, 2011 Vol.2 No.2, pp.194 - 212

Published online: 26 Mar 2015 *

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Title: Variable-fidelity aerodynamic shape optimisation of single-element airfoils at high-lift conditions

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