Aerodynamic Shape Design of Hypersonic Vehicles via Interval-Robust Optimization Method Including Geometric Tolerances and Multiple Flight Conditions

Abstract

Aerodynamic shape optimization plays a significant role during the conceptual design stage of hypersonic vehicles. In this study, an interval-robust optimization method is proposed for the design of hypersonic vehicles, which integrates the tolerances of geometric variables under multiple flight conditions. Applying the class and shape transformation (CST) method, the wing of a representative hypersonic vehicle is modeled with relatively few geometric parameters containing physical meanings. By virtue of engineering methods, aerodynamic forces and heating properties of the hypersonic wing can be evaluated rapidly. The interval vectors are given to quantify geometric parameters considering the production and manufacturing tolerances. Subsequently, based on the Taylor series expansion method, the upper and lower bounds of aerodynamic forces and heating properties are obtained successfully. Unlike the deterministic aerodynamic shape optimization formulation, an interval-robust optimization strategy is presented by taking into account the nominal value and interval radius of aerodynamic forces and heating properties. Owing to the weighted processing, multipoint interval-robust optimization method (MP-IROM) is proposed to consider the multiple flight conditions. Two engineering examples are provided to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method in regards to optimizing the aerodynamic shape of a representative hypersonic vehicle wing.