Design optimization software for a type of general aviation aircraft: a multidisciplinary approach

This article provides Multidisciplinary design software for design of a class of General Aviation Aircrafts (GAAs). In the developed software, disciplines such as engine selection, weight and sizing, aerodynamics, performance and stability have been integrated together in Multidisciplinary Design Feasibility (MDF) structure. At the beginning of the design process of this software, preliminary aircraft configuration will determined based on a preset series of requirements and statistical study. Afterwards, the MDF loop by implementing a multidisciplinary analysis assesses the design in the presence of performance and mission constraints. The constraints and algorithms that are considered in the design process are based on the Gudmundsson design approach. Design variables are selected carefully using sensitivity analysis on design objectives (i.e. reducing the gross weight and increasing the range). In order to obtain a feasible design, static stability constraints are considered. Finally, the multi-objective evolutionary optimization algorithm (NSGA-II) is utilized to demonstrate a set of possible answers in the form of Pareto frontier. This software has the ability to add a variety of engines and airfoils, will cover a comprehensive range of optimal designs. The Pareto fronts resulted from optimization process illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of this conceptual design software.