Automated Unstructured-grid CFD Tool for Aerodynamic Design Optimization of Airfoils and Wings

Abstract

Development of an Automated Aerodynamic Design Optimization Tool (AADOT) based on an unstructured-grid CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) solver is presented. Geometry creation and grid generation are automated using parameterized geometry creation, and template- based surface and volume grid generation. Design of a spanwise cambered wing for a transport aircraft using the automated tool is discussed. It is shown that the automation of the CFD process together with the advances in parallel computing enable aerodynamic design of airfoils and wings using the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. Results presented demonstrate the feasibility of designing airfoils and wings with substantially higher performance using the automated tool.