Study on the use of high-fidelity methods in aeroelastic optimization

Multidiciplinary optimization is a key element of the design process. To date multidisciplinary optimization methods that use low-fidelity methods are well developed. Gradient-based optimization methods that use data from three-dimensional linear aerodynamic solvers and two-dimensional structural solvers have been applied to complex aerospace configurations. However, use of high-fidelity methods such as Euler/Navier-Stokes methods for fluids and three-dimensional finite element method for structures is not as well developed. As an activity of the Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Technical Committee (MDO TC) of AIAA, an effort was initiated to assess the status and use of high-fidelity methods in multidisciplinary optimization. Contributions were solicited through the members of the MDO TC. This paper provides a summary of that effort.