Multidisciplinary code coupling for analysis and optimization of aeroelastic systems

This paper presents a practical methodology for static aeroelastic analysis and aeroelastic optimization via coupling of high-fidelity commercial codes. A finite-volume-based flow solver FLUENT is used to solve three-dimensional Euler equations, Gambit is used to generate mesh in the fluid domain, and CATIA is used to model parametric solid geometry. Abaqus, a structural finite element method solver, is used to compute the structural response of the aeroelastic system. The mesh-based parallel-code coupling interface MpCCI is used to exchange the pressure and displacement information between FLUENT and Abaqus to perform a loosely coupled aeroelastic analysis by a staggered algorithm, and modeFRONTIER software is used as the optimization driver for scheduling a nondominated sorting genetic algorithm initiated with design of experiments. First, an AGARD 445.6 wing configuration is optimized with objectives of maximum lift/drag ratio and minimum weight. Optimization variables are chosen as sweep angle at the quarter-chord and the taper ratio of the wing. Second, a more realistic wing model, ARW-2, is optimized for thickness values of the inner ribs and spars. Aeroelastic analysis produce consistent results with experimental data, and the applied optimization methodology results in Pareto-optimal solutions.