Optimal Design and Design Parameter Sensitivity Analyses of an eVTOL PAV in the Conceptual Design Phase

Abstract

An optimization study of an electric vertical takeoff and landing personal air vehicle (eVTOL PAV) was performed during the conceptual design stage using the design of experiments method. In defining the initial problem, a design target parameter was set. The PAV subsystem was based on a configuration tradeoff study matrix, which was used to effectively conduct configuration selection. Initial sizing was performed using the PAV sizing program developed by this research team using Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic for Application (VBA). A screening test was performed to find parameters with high sensitivity among independent design parameters. The response surface method was used to model design target parameters, and a regression equation was estimated using the experimental design method. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to confirm the feasibility of the generated model. To optimize the design independent parameter, a satisfaction function was selected, and the appropriateness of the data was determined using a Pareto plot and p-value.