A general-purpose optimization tool for multidisciplinary applications, known as COMETBOARDS, is being developed. Its modular organization includes several analyzers and state-of-the-art optimization algorithms, along with their cascading strategy. The code structure allows quick integration of new analyzers and optimizers. The COMETBOARDS code reads input information from a number of data files, formulates a design as a set of multidisciplinary nonlinear programming problems, and then solves the resulting problems. COMETBOARDS can be used to solve a large problem, which can be defined through multiple disciplines, each of which can be further broken down into several subproblems. Alternatively, a small portion of a large problem can be optimized in an effort to improve an existing system. Some of the other features of COMETBOARDS include design variable formulation, constraint formulation, subproblem coupling strategy, global scaling technique, analysis approximation, use of either sequential or parallel computational modes, etc. The special features and unique strengths of COMETBOARDS assist and reduce the amount of CPU time used to solve the difficult optimization problems of the aerospace industries. COMETBOARDS has been successfully used to solve a number of design problems. This paper introduces the COMETBOARDS design tool and its versatility, which is illustrated by citing examples from structures, aircraft design and air-breathing propulsion engine design.
General-purpose optimization method for multidisciplinary design applications
Advances in Engineering Software ; 31 , 1 ; 57-63
2000
7 Seiten, 2 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
General-Purpose Optimization Engine for Multi-Disciplinary Design Applications
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