Methodology for the Parametric Structural Conceptual Design of Hypersonic Vehicles

Abstract

The design of hypersonic vehicles is influenced by tightly coupled interactions between aerodynamics, propulsion, and structures. Therefore, in the conceptual design phases, the identification and mitigation of potential problem areas and disciplinary interrelations are critical. Although the multidisciplinary character of hypersonic designs is well known, research in hypersonics is primarily focused on the isolated disciplines with side notes on the interactions. The designer has to integrate all the disciplinary information and create a successful system. This integration is a tedious and elaborate process involving time-consuming iterations.

Design and Analysis of Computer Experiments in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization: A Review of How Far We Have Come - Or Not

“…147,148 Meanwhile, aerospace researchers at Georgia Tech have been extensively utilizing the metamodeling and visualization capabilities in JMP to perform multi-dimensional trade studies and explore the design space. 40,149 Ford Motor Company and SGI also joined forces to investigate the use of surrogate modeling and high performance computing to facilitate rapid visualization of design alternatives during the MDO process. 150 Finally, researchers at Penn State and the Applied Research Laboratory are investigating the use of visual steering commands that allow designers to explore and navigate multi-dimensional trade spaces in real-time using the rapid analysis capabilities of metamodels.…”