03.1 - Aerodynamics – CFD Methods and Validation
SHAPING SUSTAINABLE AVIATION WITH CFD-BASED DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
J.R.R.A. Martins¹, M.A.S. Abdul-Kaiyoom¹, E.J. Adler¹, A.C. Gray¹, H. Hajdik¹, E. Jonsson¹, A.H.R. Lamkin¹, B. Pacini¹, A. Yildirim¹; ¹University of Michigan, United States
Air transportation's quest for sustainability requires groundbreaking advancements in aircraft design, particularly in the optimization of aircraft configurations, including aerodynamic shape, structural sizing, and propulsive performance. This talk will examine the latest developments in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-based design optimization, addressing the critical challenges and innovative solutions in shaping aircraft components for enhanced efficiency and reduced emissions. We will explore the sophisticated integration of CFD with structural mechanics to optimize wing aerodynamics, enhancing lift-to-drag ratios and reducing structural weight. The discussion will extend to the aerodynamic optimization of propellers and turbofans, highlighting how CFD facilitates the design of propulsion systems that integrate optimally with the airframe. By employing multidisciplinary optimization (MDO) approaches, we have advanced the design of these key aircraft components, considering complex interactions and design constraints. We will focus on adjoint methods for efficient gradient computation, which is essential for handling the large number of shape and sizing variables required in aircraft design. We will discuss the integration of these methods with computational geometry that ensures industry-grade smoothness. The talk will present case studies demonstrating the successful application of these methods in optimizing aircraft wings, along with innovative designs of propellers and turbofans, underscoring the role of CFD in driving the future of sustainable air travel.