Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluation of Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) methods, comparison of advantages and disadvantages of them by applying single level frameworks in design of UAVs using genetic algorithm optimization and Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP). Methods/Statistical Analysis: Multidisciplinary design optimization methods are divided into 2 overall single level and multilevel frameworks, mathematically. Frameworks under investigation here are: Multi Disciplinary Feasibility (MDF), All At Once (AAO) as single level frameworks and Collaborative Optimization (CO) in addition to Bi-Level Integrated System Synthesis (BLISS) as bi-level frameworks. Selection criteria of appropriate design framework include simplicity of algorithm, quick response as well as degree of convergence in finding optimal answers. Findings: in accordance with the aforementioned criteria, single level methods are superior to multilevel ones. Anyway, no method or framework could be considered as superior; instead, appropriate design framework according to each application should be selected. Finally, single level methods have been used in UAVs design according to which, MDF framework holds higher convergence capability than AAO, though with higher run time in comparison to AAO. Applications /Improvements: single level methods have been used in UAVs design and Global Hawk (RQ-4B) is redesigned for implementation and comparison.

Keywords: MDO, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Frameworks, Systemic Design, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Design