Robust Optimization of a Helicopter Rotor Airfoil Using Multi-fidelity Approach

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A robust optimization technique is developed for the aerodynamic shape optimization of a helicopter rotor airfoil considering uncertain operating conditions. Both a CFD model and a coupled panel/integral boundary layer model of the aerodynamics are coupled with an optimization code based on Genetic Algorithms. In order to reduce the computational cost of the robust optimization, a multi-fidelity strategy is developed which employs both aerodynamic models inside the optimization loop.