A multi-objective airfoil shape optimization study using mesh morphing and response surface method

Abstract

Here, a distinct procedure was adopted to optimize the shape of the NACA 0012 airfoil profile for Reynolds number, Mach number, and angle of attack equal to 2e6, 0.15, and 10.24 deg, respectively. The airfoil shape was appropriately parameterized, and mesh morphing tools were used to bypass the remeshing process. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations were carried out for all combinations of selected parameters. Response surfaces were constructed for the drag and lift coefficients of the airfoil based on several statistical criteria. Subsequently, the Pareto front was used to solve the multi-objective optimization problem. Eventually, three single-objective types of optimization problems were studied. A 10 % reduction in drag coefficient was estimated for the drag minimization problem, a 22 % improvement in lift coefficient was found in case of lift maximization problem, and a 6 % reduction in drag coefficient was determined in the lift constrained drag minimization problem.