OpenAirFrame: A Framework for eVTOL Multimodal Design-Space Exploration and Optimization

DARcorporation and Auburn University propose the development of a design, analysis, and optimization framework OpenAirFrame, that specifically tackles the challenges associated with assessing system architectures and conceptual aircraft design in a complex, multimodal design space with both continuous and discrete design variables. The proposal responds directly to the needs identified within SBIR Topic A1.06 – Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Vehicle Technologies – Multimodal Design Tools. The proposed solution will address some challenges that are inherent to the design of VTOL aircraft as well as several unresolved challenges and shortcomings of existing tools and capabilities: • Urban Air Mobility (UAM) VTOL aircraft pose particularly challenging design problems due to the vast configurational design space (with no preferred configuration thus far), multiplicity of propulsors, distributed electric propulsion, and transitions between vertical (thrust-borne) and horizontal (wing-borne) modes of flight. The dimensionality of the design space expands even further when electrified (as opposed to all-electric) propulsion is considered through hybrid-electric and turbo-electric propulsion. • There are commercial tools available that allow integration of other software for performing optimization. From a practical standpoint, however, the time, effort, and cost of molding them to perform the highly customized analyses and trade studies required for advancing electrified VTOL design will likely be comparable to that required for developing a unique software. • While there are existing tools that can manage continuous variable optimization in high-dimensional design spaces, they do not have an outer-loop manager for handling multiple disconnected parts of the design space within a simultaneous design study. In Phase I, the core functionalities will be demonstrated through sample design studies focusing on two of the reference RVLT UAM configurations.

The proposed technology has direct relevance to NASA applications at various levels: • Directorate level: The proposal supports NASA Strategic Thrust 4: Safe, Quiet, and Affordable Vertical Lift Air Vehicles. It has the most direct effect on the near-term (2020-2035) outcomes and also serves as an enabler for mid-term (2035-2045) and far-term (2045+) outcomes. • Program level: The proposal supports the Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP) objectives by facilitating evaluation of advanced technology vehicles that enable revolutionary air travel efficiency improvements. • Project level: It supports Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Project goals through development and validation of tools, technologies, and concepts to overcome key barriers for vertical lift vehicles. • Discipline level: The proposal supports the MDAO and Systems Analysis Discipline through its focus on analysis and optimization capabilities for vehicle system architecture in addition to configuration. The proposed technology also addresses the technical challenge of discontinuous and multimodal design parameters associated with eVTOL aircraft conceptual design projects at NASA. Projects similar to LA-8 (Langley Aerodrome 8) and GL-10 (Greased Lightning) could also benefit from the proposed technology. The proposed technology can facilitate eVTOL aircraft design in the whole UAM industry, which has a vast potential for non-NASA commercial applications. The proposed solution can help with Joby, Archer, Airbus, Supernal, Wisk, Vertical, Volocopter, etc. The proposed technology can also be adapted for CTOL aircraft design with novel configurations, which usually pose a similar design space exploration challenge.

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