Application of soft computing methodologies for development of a concurrent engineering approach in design of UAV configuration

In a holistic design; Creating a common language between different engineering, taking in to account the designer/customer's interests and preferences, removing potential shortcomings of common design methodologies and taking full advantage of the benefits of MDO approaches are the most important factors for achieving logical and realistic results. In this paper, a novel Comprehensive Preference-based Design approach is presented which attempts to achieve subjective attributes that are defined in the concept of maximization of designer/customer's satisfaction in addition to objective goals which are formulated in the form of minimization of a performance criterion in a two-phase structure using two nested optimizers. In the first phase of CPD, using the concept of satisfaction, the subjective preferences of the designer/customer are defined in terms of fuzzy relationships and operators in the form of demands and desires. Whereas the results of this phase are inaccurate, in the second phase, it is attempted to define a performance criterion and in order to achieve an optimal operational plan, attitude parameters and the compromises needed to meet the designer/customer's preferences are implemented. The methodology is utilized to design of a UAV with flight duration of 24 hours, 45 m/s of cruise speed at least, payload of 200 kg and less than 1 km take-off distance. To evaluate the results of CPD, the design process using MDO in AAO framework is also performed. Comparison of the results shows that despite the higher mass of UAV designed by CPD, overall satisfaction is higher and preferences have been satisfied.