Approximation Assisted Robust Design Optimization of Aerospace Systems

With FY12 Center Innovation Fund (CIF) resources, this project developed an approximation-based design that optimizes aerospace systems under uncertainty. The project will help improve the computational effort, including the number of simulation calls, while obtaining accurate, robust optimum design solutions. With CIF, the team developed in Jan. 2012 initial approximation and robustness approaches and integrated them in April 2012. It also initiated a prototype development and implementation plan in July 2012. The prototype will be demonstrated with numerical and engineering samples, including aerospace applications that require computational fluid dynamics and/or finite element modeling simulation.

Essentially, any mission or technology-development effort could benefit greatly from the application of this new technology. In the future, the team plans to identify specific, near-term missions and activities that will provide follow-on funding to demonstrate its benefits and invest in further development of the method and tools.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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