Optimization with Variable-Fidelity Models Applied Wing Design

摘要

This work discusses an approach, the Approximation Management Framework (AMF) for solving optimization problems that involve computationally expensive simulations. AMF aims to maximize the, use of lower-fidelity, cheaper models in iterative procedures with occasional, but systematic, recourse to higher-fidelity, more expensive models for monitoring the progress of the algorithm. The method is globally convergent to a solution of the original, high-fidelity problem. Three versions of AMF, based on three nonlinear programming algorithms, are demonstrated on a 3D aerodynamic wing optimization problem and a 2D airfoil optimization problem. In both cases Euler analysis solved on meshes of various refinement provides a suite of variable-fidelity models. Preliminary results indicate threefold savings in terms of high-fidelity analyses in case of the 3D problem and twofold savings, for the 2D problem.