Design
optimization
The optimization research has primarily
addressed the formulation of semi-analytical sensitivities
for problem of rotorcraft interest (e.g., for the stability
of system with periodic coefficients), and the
multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) of helicopters.
This paper (text and figures) is a survey of
applications of design optimization to helicopters.
Although the paper is a few years old, its conclusions
still very much stand today.
This paper describes an MDO study
in which the constraints were taken from the flight
dynamics and control, aeromechanics, and rotor
dynamics subdisciplines, and the design variables
included rotor, airframe, and flight control system
design parameters. The paper is part of Dr. Dario
Fusato's Ph.D. dissertation.