Mathematical Optimization: A Powerful Tool for Aircraft Design

摘要

Formal mathematical optimization methods developed during the past 10 to 15 yearsfor the structural design of aircraft are considered. Together with reliable analysis programs like finite element methods they provide powerful tools for the structural design. They are efficient in at least two ways: producing designs that meet all specified requirements at minimum weight in one step; relieving the engineer from a time consuming search for modifications that give better results, they allow more creative design modifications. A powerful optimization code, called MBB-LAGRANGE, which uses mathematical programming and gradients to fulfill different constraints simultaneously, is considered. The application of this optimization program to the aeroelastic problems and structural design of a tailless sailplane is outlined. The enlargment of the optimization program to include also shape and size of airplanes is discussed.