Approximation and Model Management in Aerodynamic Optimization with Variable-Fidelity Models

Abstract

This workdiscussesan approach,e rst-orderapproximation and modelmanagementoptimization (AMMO), for solving design optimization problems that involve computationally expensive simulations. AMMO maximizes the use of lower-e delity, cheaper models in iterative procedures with occasional, but systematic, recourse to highere delity, more expensive models for monitoring the progress of design optimization. A distinctive feature of the approach is thatit is globally convergent to a solution oftheoriginal, high-e delity problem. VariantsofAMMObased on three nonlinear programming algorithms are demonstrated on a three-dimensional aerodynamic wing optimization problemand atwo-dimensionalairfoiloptimizationproblem. Euleranalysisonmeshesof varying degrees of ree nement provides a suite of variable-e delity models. Preliminary results indicate threefold savings in terms of high-e delity analyses for the three-dimensional problem and twofold savings for the two-dimensional problem.