Multidisciplinary design optimization research of overall aero-engine based on flow path

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) method has been extensively investigated in aero-engine design as itenables designers to balance various requirements for multidiscipline, thus improving the overall productivity and lowering costs. The main purpose of this research is to establish an aero-engine overall multidisciplinary optimization system. As flow path MDO is one of the key multidisciplinary optimization technologies in the aero-engine overall design. Optimization process started with MDO of turbine flow path, and progressively accomplished high pressure compressor and fan flow path to achieve aero-engine overall MDO based on matching of flow path. A multidisciplinary design system of three coupled disciplines: aerodynamic, structural strength and rotordynamics, is modeled in this paper. iSIGHT software was utilized as the platform to establish multidisciplinary optimization system, which synthetically analyzed the complex coupling relationship between aerodynamic performance and strength. The optimal solutions are obtained in order to achieve to minimum weight and maximum efficiency, while simultaneously meeting the requirements of strength, aerodynamics efficiency and rotordynamics. The results suggest this method has potential capability of shortening aero-engine overall design cycle and improving aero-engine design ability.