Conceptual design of wrap-around-fin rockets using the MDO methodology

Abstract

The conceptual design of rockets is a system engineering that involves configuration, aerodynamics, engine, dynamic stability, and coupling effects. To obtain benefits from the synergistic effects, the latest research achievements, and the most powerful analysis tools efficiently, this paper focuses on how to apply the multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) technology to the conceptual design of the long-range, large length to diameter ratio wrap-around-fin (WAF) rockets. The software iSIGHT was employed as the MDO framework, the multidisciplinary feasible (MDF) method as the MDO architecture, and the multi-island genetic algorithm combined with sequential quadratic programming as the search algorithm. By maximizing the payload ratio, the structural analysis, aerodynamics, engine, trajectory, and dynamic stability were considered comprehensively. A case study demonstrated that MDO could improve the rocket performance effectively.