HeldenDesign:An Automated Aircraft Drag Optimization Method Using Knowledge-Based Design Tools

Successful completion of our Phase I effort results in an automated, robust, and rapid aircraft drag optimization method (called HeldenDesign) that is an integral part of our vision to revolutionize the aircraft analysis and design process.nbsp;nbsp;HeldenDesign couples NASArsquo;s CDISC knowledge-based design method with an optimization wrapper that automatically varies the inputs to CDISC to enable drag-based optimization.nbsp;nbsp;In addition, HeldenDesign simplifies and streamlines the setup of new optimization cases and adds a robust mesh movement capability (through the HeldenMorph toolset that is also developed under our Phase I effort) that solves many of the problems encountered during CFD-based design.nbsp;nbsp;The goal of HeldenDesign is to enable rapid and easy to use drag-based optimizations of new aircraft for conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design.nbsp;We plan to follow this initial effort with a Phase II effort to identify and prioritize the HeldenDesign development effort required for commercialization of the product in follow-on phases.nbsp;nbsp;For example, one possible enhancement would be to develop a multi-point design capability within HeldenDesign capable of evaluating a design at multiple flight conditions.nbsp;nbsp;This would give HeldenDesign the ability to ensure best performance is achieved over a range of flight conditions.nbsp;nbsp;Future phases could also evaluate the incorporation of NASArsquo;s PREDISC graphical pre/post processor design functionality into the HeldenTool graphical user interface (GUI) currently being developed under a NASA Phase III SBIR.