Aerospace design: a complex task

Abstract

These lecture notes, prepared for the 1997 VKI Lecture Course on Inverse Design, identify some of the complexities inherent in the design of aeroengines and aircraft. It is argued that to handle the geometric complexities requires a computational representation which is hierarchical and based on parametric solids at the lowest level. On top of this can be built a tightly coupled two-level design system which uses an integrated set of multidisciplinary analysis packages which are also hierarchical, with differing levels of approximation and computational cost appropriate to preliminary design and detailed component design.

A range of different numerical approaches to design are outlined, and their strengths and weaknesses are compared. Other related topics such as distributed computing, risk management and strategic research planning are also discussed.