Structural weight estimation for multidisciplinary optimization of a high-speed civil transport

Abstract

A variable-complexity-modeling design strategy with combined aerodynamic and structural optimization procedures is presented for the high-speed civil transport (HSCT). A finite element model-based structural optimization procedure with flexible loads is implemented to evaluate the wing-bending material weight. Static aeroelastic effects on wing-bending material weight, evaluated through the comparison of rigid and flexible wing models, are found to be small in the HSCT design. The results of structural optimization are compared with two quasiempirical weight equations. Good correlation is obtained between the structural optimization and one of the weight equations. Based on this comparison, an interlacing procedure is developed to combine both the simple weight equations and the structural optimization in the HSCT design optimization, at modest computational cost.