An Optimization Approach For Shape Design Of Stealth Aircraft And Its Applications

This paper proposes a two-level optimization approach for shape design of low observable aircraft. The approach is simple in terms of flowchart and provides the ability to conduct both the contour and the section optimization simultaneously. The approach is divided into two levels including contour optimization and section optimization: the contour optimization sends the contour parameters to the level of section optimization and its objective is to find the optimum contour; the section optimization is aimed to find the optimum section shape for the given contour parameters and feedback the objective function to the level of contour optimization. This two-level approach is able to find out the optimum shape including both the contour and the section shape. A low radar cross section design optimization problem of a simlpe fuselage shape was used to verify the approach.Also, this thesis investigates two objective functions which are often used in shape optimization of low observable. Based on the analysis, this paper proposes a new objective function-radar average detection probability, and summarizes the characters of objective functions.The two-level optimization approach and the definitions of objective functions were applied to a stealth design for a simplified Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle. The suggestions for the reasonable selection of the objective function in the stealth aircraft design optimization are presented .