Multi-objective integrated aerodynamic design optimisation system
The subject of my Ph.D. project is to develop and validate an integrated multi-objective aerodynamic design optimisation system. This system is a combination of a number of individually established computational codes working together without human intervention. Each code performs a specific part of the whole design optimisation process:
- parameterisation – representation
- evaluation (using Computational Fluid Dynamics)
- search space exploration (by multi-objective Tabu Search)
The output is a selection of different designs ranged across the trade-off surface (Pareto front) for the problem under consideration.
The system is suitable for aerodynamic applications involving multiple parameters that affect performance, in order to identify a better (more robust) design. The system is currently being tested on case studies involving the design of compressor blades. It offers great potential because optimal aerodynamic designs are achievable automatically in a comparatively short time.
A planned extension of this work is to apply the system to the optimisation of multi-airfoil aerodynamic problems, with the ultimate aim of using it to find a robust (across a range of operating conditions) aerodynamic design for the rear wing of a Formula 1 racing car.
