Multi-objective aerodynamic optimization using active multi-output Gaussian process and mesh deformation method

Abstract

A wing is an important part of the aircraft to improve aerodynamic performance. The current study is focused on an adaptive surrogate algorithm for airfoil aerodynamic optimization, which is based on a multi-output Gaussian process model. The conventional design method seriously relies on wind tunnel experiments and expensive computational simulations. The metamodels can significantly improve design efficiency and hence reduce the overall design costs. An active learning algorithm is proposed to improve the effectiveness of the multi-output Gaussian process model. The NSGA-II algorithm is adopted to obtain the optimal Pareto set with the optimization objectives of lift and drag coefficients for adaptive airfoil shapes. Besides, the Bezier curve and radial basis function are utilized in this study for airfoil mesh deformation. The results show that the airfoil shape can be obtained effectively by integrating the metamodel, active learning algorithm, and multi-objective optimization algorithm. The optimized results are of great engineering applications.