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The AGILE project is developing the next generation of development processes, and deploying a collaborative MDO design system, called the AGILE development framework (ADF). Naturally, such a system contains a lot of implicit assumptions on how things should be done and how to exploit different existing technologies. This collection of assumptions and technologies is labeled the 'AGILE Paradigm'. The two main building blocks of this paradigm are the Collaborative Architecture and the Knowledge Architecture. In essence, these building blocks aim to support large, heterogeneous teams of experts in performing collaborative development in a streamlined and time-effective way. This paper has a focus on the definition of the Knowledge Architecture (KA) as a general conceptual framework which is independent of the aircraft-specific application in AGILE. The KA can be applied to perform collaborative automated design in large, heterogeneous teams for any complex system (e.g. aircraft, automobiles, wind farms). The KA is structured with a multi-level backbone: Development Process layer, Automated Design layer, Design Competence layer. A fourth transverse layer impacting all other layers is the Data & Schemas layer. Each layer has its own set of assumptions and technologies, but more importantly, interfaces between the levels have to be created in order to have a fully interconnected development process from each design competence up to the top-level business process. The hierarchical levels and interfaces are described in this paper as a generalized paradigm. In addition, four support platforms of the KA in the AGILE project are described in more detail: the development process environment, graph-based support in the design problem formulation, visualization of large, complex automated design processes, and design concepts formalizations. Finally, a use case from the AGILE project is mapped on this paradigm to demonstrate the use of the KA and its support platforms in a realistic design case.

As part of H2020 EU project "AGILE", A Collaborative System of Systems Multidisciplinary Design Optimization research approach is presented in this paper. This approach relies on physics-based analysis to evaluate the correlations between the airframe design, as well as propulsion, aircraft systems, aerodynamics, structures and emission, from the early design process, and to exploit the synergies within a simultaneous optimization process. Further, the disciplinary analysis modules from multiple organizations, involved in the optimization are integrated within a distributed framework. The disciplinary analysis tools are not shared, but only the data are distributed among partners through a secured network of framework. In order to enable and to accelerate the deployment of collaborative, large scale design and optimization frameworks, the "AGILE Paradigm", a novel methodology, has been formulated during the project. The main elements composing the AGILE Paradigm are the Knowledge Architecture (KA), and the Collaborative Architecture (CA). The first formalizes the overall product development process in a multi-level structure. The latter formalizes the collaborative process within the entire supply chain, and defines how the multiple stakeholders interact with each other.The current paper is focused on the application of using the AGILE Paradigm to solve system of stystems MDO on a regional jet transport aircraft. The focus of the current research paper is: 1) Creation of a system of systems frame work using AGILE Paradigm to support multidisciplinary distributive analysis capability. The framework involves physics based modules such as : Airframe synthesis, aerodynamics, structures, aircraft systems , propulsion system design, nacelle design, nacelle airframe integration, aircraft mission simulation,costs and emissions. 2) Validate the frame work with case study of a regional jet reference aircraft. 3) Assess the sensitivity and coupling of design parameters, local disciplinary optimizataion and its effect on global optimization objectives or constraints. The effects of varying Bypass Ratio (BPR) of engine, offtake effects due to degree of electrification and nacelle effects are propagated through the AGILE MDO framework and presented.

A new system is presented that enables the visualization of large multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) problems and their solution strategy. It was developed within the scope of the European project AGILE. In AGILE, collaborative MDO is performed in large, heterogeneous teams of experts by solving MDO problems using a collection of design and analysis tools. This paper focuses on the visualizations required to support the formulation phase of an MDO project. The Knowledge and graph-based AGILE Design for Multidisciplinary Optimization System (KADMOS), an open-source MDO support system developed by Delft University of Technology, uses graph-based analysis to formulate an MDO problem and its solution strategy, based on the disciplinary analyses available in a repository. The results of KADMOS are stored in the standardized format CMDOWS (Common MDO Workflow Schema), which comprises the entire information on an MDO system. Although, based on Extensible Markup Language, the readability of the CMDOWS file is quite poor also for MDO experts, especially for large MDO systems involving thousands of variables. Providing visualization capabilities to thoroughly inspect the outcome of the different MDO formulation steps becomes a key factor to enable the specification of large MDO systems in a heterogeneous team. Therefore, VISTOMS (VISualization TOol for MDO Systems), a dynamic visualization package, was developed by RWTH Aachen University to enable the visualization and inspection of the different MDO system specification steps, thereby removing one of the main hurdles for using MDO as a development process. The developed visualization capabilities are demonstrated by means of an aerostructural wing design optimization project. Keywords MDO · Visualization · KADMOS · CMDOWS · VISTOMS Abbreviations

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