The application of Pareto methods to multidisciplinary design optimisation

Multidisciplinary design optimisation (MDO) provides a framework for the ti mely exchange of data necessary to support the highly integrated tasks typi cal of aerospace design. This will help reduce the duration of the design c ycle and improve efficiency of the final product. Well implemented MDO capa bilities will play an increasingly important role in DERA's activities to s upport the definition of future system requirements and the assessment of n ew equipment. The framework in which an MDO approach is realised must be fl exible and accommodate the diverse range of individual discipline-based too ls that contribute to the overall process. This paper describes DERA's acti vity within the EC Framework IV 'FRONTIER' project to investigate the use o f modern graphical userinterface (GUI) methods and genetic algorithms (GAs) for the combined aerodynamic and structural design of a modern combat airc raft. The application of the techniques to identify a Pareto frontier in hi gh level design objective space that represents the boundary beyond which i mprovements cannot be made without sacrificing one or other aspect of overa ll aircraft performance is described. The scope of the methods as an aid du ring the definition of system requirements and for the evaluation of trade- offs during the concept assessment stage of a project is discussed.