Benaouali, Abdelkader & Kachel, Stanisław. (201608).

Structural wing sizing and

planform shape optimization using multidisciplinary CAD-CAE integration process.
10.1109/ICMAE.2017.8038693. This paper describes a wing mass estimation approach
based on a bi-level optimization process and an automated CAD-CAE integration
framework. The design framework goes through parametric CAD model generation,
aerodynamic load calculation, finite element modeling, structural analysis and
sizing. In the lower-level task, the wing box is sized to optimize the structural
element thicknesses under a maximum stress constraint for a fixed planform
configuration. The upper-level optimization determines the optimal planform shape
to minimize the wing mass while maintaining a good lift-to-drag ratio. The process
chain involves SIEMENS NX for geometric modeling, VORLAX VLM for aerodynamic
calculations and MSC. NASTRAN for FE analysis and sizing. The outer optimization is
performed by the multi-objective genetic algorithm on a radial basis function
surrogate model.