VARIABLE-COMPLEXITY AERODYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION OF A HIGH-SPEED CIVIL TRANSPORT WING

A new approach for combining conceptual and preliminary design techniq ues for wing optimization is presented for the high-speed civil transp ort (HSCT). A wing-shape parametrization procedure is developed which allows the linking of planform and airfoil design variables. Variable- complexity design strategies are used to combine conceptual and prelim inary-design approaches, both to preserve interdisciplinary design inf luences and to reduce computational expense. In the study, conceptual- design-level algebraic equations are used to estimate aircraft weight, supersonic wave drag, friction drag, and drag due to lift. The drag d ue to lift and wave drag are also evaluated using more detailed, preli minary-design-level techniques. The methodology is applied to the mini mization of the gross weight of an HSCT that flies at Mach 3 with a ra nge of 6500 mi.