An Initiative in Multidisciplinary Optimization of Rotorcraft
Abstract
This paper describes a joint NASA/Army initiative at the Langley Research Center to develop optimization procedures aimed at improving the rotor blade design process by integrating appropriate disciplines and accounting for important interactions among the disciplines. The activity is being guided by a Steering Committee made up of key NASA and Army researchers and managers. The committee has defined two principal foci for the activity: a 'white paper' which sets forth the goals and plans of the effort; and a rotor design project which will validate the basic constituents, as well as the overall design method for multidisciplinary optimization. The paper describes the optimization formulation in terms of the objective function, design variables, and constraints. Some of the analysis aspects are also discussed and an initial attempt at defining the interdisciplinary couplings is summarized. Some significant progress has been made, principally in the areas of single discipline optimization. Results are given which represent accomplishments in rotor aerodynamic performance optimization for minimum hover horsepower, rotor dynamic optimization for vibration reduction, and rotor structural optimization for minimum weight.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA233919
Entities
People
- Howard M. Adelman
- Wayne R. Mantay
Organizations
- Langley Research Center