Multi-level CFD-based Airfoil Shape Optimization With Automated Low-fidelity Model Selection

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models are ubiquitous in aerodynamic design. Variable-fidelity optimization algorithms have proven to be computationally efficient and therefore suitable to reduce high CPU-cost related to the design process solely based on accurate CFD models. A convenient way of constructing the variable-fidelity models is by using the high-fidelity solver, but with a varying degree of discretization and reduced number of flow solver iterations. So far, selection of the appropriate parameters has only been guided by the designer experience. In this paper, an automated low- fidelity model selection technique is presented. By defining the problem as a constrained nonlinear optimization problem, suitable grid and flow solver parameters are obtained. Our approach is compared to conventional methods of generating a family of variable-fidelity models. Comparison of the standard and the proposed approaches in the context of aerodynamic design of a transonic airfoil indicates that the automated model generation can yield significant computational savings.