The aerodynamic shape optimization of airfoils using unconstrained trust region methods

Abstract

In this article, unconstrained trust region methods are studied and applied in aerodynamic shape optimization. Trust region methods are high-performance gradient-based optimization methods. The theory of unconstrained trust region methods is explained, and a trust region subproblem is solved using the dogleg method and the Moré–Sorensen method. After verifying the trust region methods via analytical test problems, they are applied to the aerodynamic shape design optimization for transonic and subsonic flows.

Keywords:

• aerodynamic shape optimization
• trust region method
• dogleg method
• Moré–Sorensen method

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grant No. KSC-2007-G02-1007 from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI).