Distributed Aircraft Analysis Using Web Service Technology

The design modern aircraft requires integration of multidisciplinary models for analysis in early design phase to increase the chances of a successful project. In this paper, a framework for distributed aircraft analysis in the conceptual design including several domains is presented. The framework is based on so-called Web service standards, allowing integration of distributed models for system simulation and optimization using standardized interfaces. The analysis is controlled by a so-called sequencer which manages the interaction between simulation modules and an XML-based design data repository. This repository includes all design data and an executable process description defining the sequence for execution of the modules.

In the paper, the framework with underlying concepts is described. The approach is further illustrated using the design of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle as an example. This includes the definition of the simulation modules, the process model and definition and execution of an optimization problem.