Multi-Objective Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of a General Aviation Aircraft

In this paper, conceptual design of a General Aviation Aircraft (GAA) is explained as a multi-objective Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO). In the early sizing phase, preliminary aircraft configuration is defined based on a predetermined requirements and statistical Study. Afterwards, conceptual design disciplines are developed and integrated based on Multidisciplinary Design Feasibility (MDF) structure to improve the aircraft performance. The MDF loop is established by implementing a multidisciplinary analysis which includes disciplines as engine selection, weight and sizing, aerodynamics, performance and stability. In this design process, Constraints and algorithms are considered based on the Gudmundsson design approach. Design variables are selected carefully using sensitivity analysis on design objectives (i.e. reducing the weight and increasing the range). In order to obtain a feasible design, static stability constraints are considered. The NSGA-II multi-objective evolutionary optimization algorithm is utilized to demonstrate a set of possible answers in the form of the Pareto front. By selecting different engines and illustrating the Pareto fronts resulted from optimization process, the feasibility and effectiveness of rapid GAA conceptual design is demonstrated.