Aerodynamic Shape Optimization Based on Adjoint Formulations of the Compressible Euler/Navier-Stokes Equations for Complex Applications

Abstract

Aerospace industry is increasingly relying on advanced numerical flow simulation tools in the early aircraft design phase. Today's flow solvers, based on the solution of the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations, are able to predict aerodynamic behaviour of aircraft components under different flow conditions quite well. Within the next few years numerical shape optimization will play a strategic role for future aircraft design. It offers the possibility for designing or improving aircraft components with respect to a pre-specified figure of merit subject to gemetrical and physical constraints. The presentation will focus on both algorithmic developments as well as realistic applications. One key activity is the derivation and implementation of a continuous adjoint approach for the DLR flow simulation software MEGAFLOW based on the solution of the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. Its potential for efficient aerodynamic shape design in compressible flow will be demonstrated.