Multilevel optimization of a supersonic aircraft

Mariano Vázquez Alain Dervieux (INRIA Sophia-Antipolis) Bruno Koobus (Université de Montpellier)

Article in Finite Elements in Analysis and Design (24 pages)

Abstract: This paper investigates the application of a multilevel preconditioned algorithm for the sonic boom reduction of a supersonic jet. The optimisation algorithm relies on a gradient approach with an adjoint state evaluation. The multi-level preconditioner is designed from an analysis of the gradient regularity loss. The sonic boom reduction is achieved in an indirect way by minimizing what we call the sonic boom downwards emission, which is computed in the near field. Additional aerodynamic performances like lift and drag forces are also guaranteed by including their evaluation in the problem's cost functional. Applications to 3D geometries are presented.

Keywords: Multilevel Optimization, Preconditioner, Adjoint Formulation, Transpiration Conditions, Sonic Boom Reduction

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@article{VDK04,
  author = {V{\`a}zquez, M. and Dervieux, A. and Koobus, B.},
  title = {{M}ultilevel optimization of a supersonic aircraft},
  journal = {Finite Elements in Analysis and Design},
  volume = 40,
  pages = "2101-2124", 
  year = 2004
}