Blended-wing-body optimization problem setup

Abstract

This paper shows how the Wing Multidisciplinary Optimization Design (WingMOD) code is used to reconfigure and balance a Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) aircraft. Details are given on how a BWB optimization problem is set up in WingMOD, including how a series of optimizations is used to calibrate WingMOD to external analyses. Relative to work reported earlier, the current BWB optimization looks more carefully at cabin geometry, balance, stability and control issues. This results in a problem that considers 5 missions, 26 design conditions, and 142 design variables and 930 constraints. Current results show how optimization can reconfigure a BWB to correct balance problems while improving takeoff weight.