Parameterizing Shape Perturbations for Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

A recently developed method of parameterizing complex shapes that one seeks to optimize differs from prior such methods in two major respects: (1) instead of entirely parameterizing the shapes, one parameterizes only shape perturbations (deformations of initial or baseline shapes) and (2) the deformations are computed by soft-objects animation (SOA) algorithms commonly used in computer graphics. This method is suitable for multidisciplinary design-optimization processes, in which shapes of structures are optimized along with other aspects of design (e.g., aerodynamics). This method can be applied, for example, to the shapes of both exterior aerodynamic surfaces and internal structural components of aircraft.