Export to Refworks Export to EndNote Email
Report an Issue

Automated Design and Evaluation of Airfoils for Rotorcraft Applications

Author:
Stanko, Jason
Published:
[University Park, Pennsylvania] : Pennsylvania State University, 2017.
Physical Description:
1 electronic document
Additional Creators:
Schmitz, Sven, 1976-
Access Online

Availability

I Want It

Finding items...

Restrictions on Access:
Open Access.
Summary:
In this work, a methodology is presented and implemented for the automated design and optimization of airfoil sections. The airfoil optimization is conducted using the CMA-ES genetic algorithm with constraints applied to the airfoil's area and pitching moment coefficient. The design variables are formed through a class shape transformation with orthogonal basis modes, allowing for decreased levels of multicollinearity in higher-order design spaces, while still maintaining the completeness of lower-order spaces. A Python framework is developed to automate the generation of airfoil performance tables using the RANS CFD solver OVERFLOW 2.2i allowing the optimization methodology to be extended to rotorcraft applications. An empirical maximum lift coefficient criteria is developed and incorporated into the table generation process to overcome inaccuracies associated with stall prediction in CFD-based methods. The methodology presented is used to perform a single point shape optimization on the tip airfoil of a UH-60A baseline rotor. The new tip section shows substantial improvements in forward-flight performance in exchange for a small reduction in the rotor's stall margin. The airfoil optimization and table generation routine shows to be effective for the single design point investigated. This holds promise that the technology developed can later be successfully extended to higher-fidelity automated routines.
Other Subject(s):
Genre(s):
Dissertation Note:
M.S. Pennsylvania State University 2017.
Technical Details:
The full text of the dissertation is available as an Adobe Acrobat .pdf file ; Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view the file.
View MARC record | catkey: 21318454