Inverse design of transonic airfoils using genetic algorithm and a new parametric shape method

Abstract

The inverse design of transonic airfoils is carried out using genetic algorithm and different shape parameterization methods. A new technique for airfoil shape parameterization is presented considering the features of the transonic flow. The method is then applied to several airfoil inverse design problems with defined geometry or surface pressure distributions. The influence of parametric shape methods on the accuracy and computational cost of the design process are investigated for inviscid and viscous flow problems. The fitness function evaluation is carried out using an unstructured grid finite volume flow solver. It is shown that the new shape parameterization method is able to reduce the total computational time by about 50% in the inverse design of transonic airfoils, particularly when viscous flow calculations are concerned. © 2009 Taylor & Francis.