Multi-point design of airfoils by a genetic algorithm

摘要

The multi-point design of a transonic airfoil is formulated as a multi-objective optimixation problem. The goal of the design is to minimize the wave drag at two transonic Mach numbers and consequently to control the drag rise within the Mach number range. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem, and a new micro-genetic algorithm strategy is introduced to improve the performance of the multi-objective optimization procedure. The resulting algorithm yields better optimal solution than a regular genetic algorithm. When compared to the performance of a generic supercriticla airfoil, the optimized profile gives substantially better drag rise characteristics in the transonic regime.