Wing Design by Numerical Optimization

A study was conducted to assess the feasibility of performing computerized wing design by numerical optimization. The design program combined a full potential, inviscid aerodynamics code with a conjugate gradient optimization algorithm. Three design problems were selected to demonstrate the design technique. The first involved modifying the upper surface of the inboard 50% of a swept wing to reduce the shock drag subject to a constraint on wing volume. The second involved modifying the entire upper surface of the same swept wing (except the tip section) to increase the lift-drag ratio subject to constraints on wing volume and lift coefficient. The final problem involved modifying the inboard 50% of a low-speed wing to achieve good stall progression. Results from the three cases indicate that the technique is sufficiently accurate to permit substantial improvement in the design objectives.