THE POTENTIAL OF GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF ROTOR SYSTEMS

Abstract

The capabilities of the genetic algorithm as a non-calculus based, global search method makes it potentially useful in the conceptual design of rotor systems. Coupling reasonably simple analysis tools to the genetic algorithm was accomplished, and the resulting program was used to generate designs for rotor systems to match requirements similar to those of both an existing helicopter and a proposed helicopter design. This provides a comparison with the existing design and also provides insight into the potential of genetic algorithms in design of new rotors.

KEY WORDS:

• helicopter rotor design
• helicopter rotor optimization
• genetic algorithm application