Abstract
Three different optimization algorithms, the gradient-based method, Simulated Annealing and Genetic Algorithm, have been discussed for airfoil design using the approximation concept. First, distribution of the objective function for the simplified airfoil shape optimization problem is visualized. The visualization indicates the difficulty of the aerodynamic optimization and the theoretical challenge to fluid dynamics. Then, performance of the three optimization algorithms is directly compared. The results suggest that a global optimization strategy is necessary and Genetic Algorithm is the best for the aerodynamic optimization. Finally, this paper provides a guidance in the selection of design variables before the optimization.
