Comparing Deterministic and Non-deterministic Optimization for Airfoil Shape Design

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In this work, the authors compare single point, multi-point, and non-deterministic optimization approaches applied to airfoil design. The objective is to minimize the drag coefficient using PABLO as the aerodynamics solver and Genetic Algorithm as the optimizer. First, the authors optimized the airfoil at fixed operating conditions for single point and multi-point optimization. Second, the airfoil was optimized at varying operating conditions. Comparison of drag coefficients from single and multi-point optimization reveal that single point optimization provides the lowest values at its operating conditions while multi-point optimization provides lower values at off-design conditions. Results from nondeterministic optimization shows that drag coefficient values are lower than values from multi-point optimization around cruise speed by 16% while providing acceptable values at lower speeds.