DID YOU KNOW? DTIC has over 3.5 million final reports on DoD funded research, development, test, and evaluation activities available to our registered users. Click
HERE to register or log in.
Accession Number:
AD1043312
Title:
Automated Design and Evaluation of Airfoils for Rotorcraft Applications
Descriptive Note:
Technical Report,01 Aug 2015,01 Aug 2017
Corporate Author:
Vertical Lift Consortium Summerville United States
Report Date:
2017-12-01
Pagination or Media Count:
120.0
Abstract:
In this work, a methodology is presented and implemented for the automated design and optimization of airfoilsections. The airfoil optimization is conducted using the CMA-ES genetic algorithm with constraints applied tothe airfoils area and pitching moment coefficient. The design variables are formed through a class shape transformation with orthogonal basis modes, allowing for decreased levels of multicollinearity in higher-order design spaces, while still maintaining the completeness of lower-order spaces. A Python framework is developed to automate the generation of airfoil performance tables using the RANS CFD solver OVERFLOW 2.2i allowing the optimization methodology to be extended to rotorcraft applications. An empirical maximum lift coefficient criteria is developed and incorporated into the table generation process to overcome inaccuracies associated with stall prediction in CFD-based methods. The methodology presented is used to perform a singlepoint shape optimization on the tip airfoil of a UH-60A baseline rotor. The new tip section shows substantial improvements in forward-flight performance in exchange for a small reduction in the rotors stall margin. The airfoil optimization and table generation routine shows to be effective for the single design point investigated.This holds promise that the technology developed can later be successfully extended to higher-fidelity automated routines.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
