A CAD-free and a CAD-based geometry control system for aerodynamic shape optimization

The performance of an aerodynamic shape optimization routine is greatly dependent on its geometry control system. This system must accurately parameterize the initial geometry and generate a flexible set of design variables for the optimization cycle. It must also generate new instances of the geometry based on the changes to the design variables dictated by the optimization routine. It is also desirable to generate a new surface grid with the same topology as the original grid in response to changes in the geometry. This new surface grid can be used to perturb the associated volume grid. This thesis develops two geometry control systems, a CAD free system and a CATIA V5 CAD-based system. The two systems provide practical tools for aerodynamic optimization. They also provide a basis for comparing CAD-free and CAD-based systems and understanding additional issues that need to be addressed in order to develop reliable optimization systems.