Some Applications of Optimization Methods to Problems of Unsteady Aerodynamics and Aeroelasticity

Abstract

Genetic Algorithm and Complex Method have been applied to the problems in the fields of unsteady aerodynamics and aeroelasticity. The first example is the aeroelastic tailoring of an arrow wing configuration of a next generation supersonic trasport, and it is shown that about 6.4 percent of the structural weight is saved by taking into account the fiber-orientation angle as design variable, compared with the design of quasi-isotropic fiber-orientation assumption. The second and third examples are the optimizations of the flapping motions of wing and fin, of bird and dolphin, respectively. It is shown that the power mass ratio becomes 10.7W/kg for pigeon and 30W/kg (if fully turbulent boundary layer is assumed for the drag estimation of the body) and 9.53 W/kg (if the drag were assumed to be reduced to 1/3 of that obtained by assuming the fully turbulent boundary layer) for dolphin.