An efficient algorithm for numerical airfoil optimizationA new optimization algorithm is presented. The method is based on sequential application of a second-order Taylor's series approximation to the airfoil characteristics. Compared to previous methods, design efficiency improvements of more than a factor of 2 are demonstrated. If multiple optimizations are performed, the efficiency improvements are more dramatic due to the ability of the technique to utilize existing data. The method is demonstrated by application to subsonic and transonic airfoil design but is a general optimization technique and is not limited to a particular application or aerodynamic analysis.
Document ID
19790035510
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Vanderplaats, G. N. (NASA Ames Research Center V/STOL Systems Office, Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1979
Subject Category
Aerodynamics
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 79-0079
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Sciences Meeting
Location: New Orleans, LA
Start Date: January 15, 1979
End Date: January 17, 1979
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics, Astronautics