Efficient Supersonic Air Vehicle Analysis and Optimization Implementation using SORCER

Abstract

The Air Force Research Lab’s Multidisciplinary Science and Technology Center is currently investigating conceptual design processes and computing frameworks that could significantly impact the design of the next generation efficient supersonic air vehicle (ESAV). To make the technological advancements required of a new ESAV, the conceptual design process must accommodate both lowand high-fidelity multidisciplinary engineering analyses. These analyses may be coupled and computationally expensive, which poses a challenge since a large number of configurations must be analyzed. In light of these observations, a design process described herein uses the SORCER (Service-Oriented Computing Environment) software to combine propulsion, structures, aerodynamics, performance, and aeroelasticity in a multidisciplinary analysis (MDA) of an ESAV. The SORCER engineering software provides the MDA automation and tight integration to grid computing resources necessary to achieve the volume of analyses required for conceptual design. Details of the SORCER implementation are illustrated through ESAV design studies using a gradient-based optimization method. A discussion of preliminary optimization results and SORCER grid computing integration is provided.