Gradient Based Aerodynamic Shape Optimization Using the FIVER Embedded Boundary Method

A computational approach is presented for evaluating shape sensitivities using an innovative embedded boundary method for computational fluid dynamics that mitigates the well-known difficulties associated with meshing, mesh updating and/or re-meshing. It is based on the analytical derivation of relevant semi-discrete gradients of the underlying comprehensive flow solver and associated computational geometry support. The proposed approach is integrated in a gradient-based optimization procedure and exploited to perform aerodynamic shape optimization of complex rigid and aeroelastic configurations. It demonstrates the potential of embedded boundary methods for the multi-disciplinary shape optimization of complex aerodynamic systems, and highlights their practical advantages in terms of flexibility, robustness, and performance.