Aerodynamic Exergy-Based Analysis and Optimization of the Generic Hypersonic Vehicle Using FUN3D

Abstract

The development of future novel aircraft concepts requires a holistic approach to vehicle design, analysis, and optimization. Aircraft designers can no longer consider components individually as systems become more interconnected and multidisciplinary. Hence, a new approach to aircraft design and a new way to measure the performance of aircraft are needed. A novel approach to aircraft design is the use of exergy methods that can evaluate typically disparate systems using a universal measure of performance mapped to global system performance. This paper introduces a new functional and its adjoint gradient in FUN3D to determine aerodynamic exergy destruction rates. The functional is verified using the Oswatitsch relationship by comparing it to native, surface-based drag coefficients. The adjoint gradient is verified using the FUN3D native complex step method, and discrete agreement is demonstrated for flowfields and geometric derivatives. The new functional is then used for aerodynamic exergy-based analysis and optimization of the generic hypersonic vehicle. An inverse design problem is conducted first to verify the design optimization framework. Finally, a planform and airfoil aerodynamic inviscid exergy optimization of the GHV is conducted, improving exergy destruction rates by 7.1% while making substantial improvements to the cruise trim characteristics of the vehicle.