Configuration Research Activities at AFRL/RBAA

Collaborative Systems Engineering and Design Symposium

29 April 2008 Atlanta, GA

Mr. Cale Zeune

Air Force Research Laboratory Air Vehicles Directorate Wright Patterson AFB, OH [email protected]

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Objectives and Outline

Objective: Inform community of tools, processes, and challenges associated with configuration analysis at the Air Vehicles Directorate, AFRL Outline
Overview of AFRL Tools and frameworks in use Common analysis processes and examples Challenges and vision for the future

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AFRL Overview
10 Technical Directorates
AFOSR, Air Vehicles, Directed Energy, Human Effectiveness, Information, Materials/Mfg., Munitions, Propulsion, Sensors, Space Vehicles
EDWARDS KIRTLAND MESA BROOKS EGLIN TYNDALL WRIGHT PATT ROME HANSCOM ARLINGTON

10 Sites across the nation Mission

Leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air and space force.

Commander: Gen. Curtis Bedke Personnel: 5,400 (of which 1,300 are active duty military) Budget: ~$3.7B annually
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Air Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RB)

Technology Developer and System Integrator

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Develop and Transition Superior Air Vehicle Technology Solutions that Enable Dominant I n t e Military- Aerospace- Vehiclese n c e grity Service Excell

Aerodynamic Configurations Branch (AFRL/RBAA)

Mission To lead the research, development and application of a broad range of technologies which will improve the performance of aircraft, missiles, and high speed vehicles. We provide the tools and expertise for assessment, evaluation and transition of new technology in the interest of the United States Air Force. Areas of Expertise Configuration Design and Analysis Technology Integration and Assessment Wind Tunnel Test Planning and Execution Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Applications Flow Control Development and Application Aerothermodynamics Plasma Physics and Systems Applications Organization Low Speed Team (Mach < 2) High Speed Team ( Mach > 2)
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Low Speed Team

Low Speed Configuration Low Speed Aerodynamics Flow Control Fluid Mechanics/Flow Physics Micro Air Vehicles Experimental Aerodynamics Design and Assessment Methodology Application Areas
Multi-Mission Mobility Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Micro Air Vehicles Hunter-Killer Aircraft
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High Speed Team

High Speed Configuration High Speed Aerodynamics Aero-thermodynamics Trajectory Analysis Experimental Aerodynamics Design and Assessment Methodology Application Areas
Affordable, Reusable Access to Space Supersonic Tailless Vehicles Prompt Global Strike Hypersonic Cruise Vehicles
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Tools Mission Performance and Sizing

FLOPS Flight Optimization System; aircraft synthesis and mission analysis program developed by NASA Langley Includes components for weight estimation, propulsion system performance, and aerodynamic estimation Text based using files for input/output CASP Combat Aircraft Synthesis Program; developed by AFRL predecessor organization code available but not currently supported Developed specifically for military aircraft; contains detailed weight estimation module VAAAS VAAA Sizer; empirically based, simple sizing program developed in-house Useful for conceptual sizing and mission performance XML input; generates its own filewrapper
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Tools - Aerodynamics
EDET (FLOPS) Empirical Drag Estimation Technique; a subroutine integrated with FLOPS; computes aero based on parameters HASC/VORLAX a vortex lattice induced drag code; usefully for estimating induced drag, trim drag, S&C parameters AVL Athena Vortex Lattice code; distributed by MIT/Drela CBAERO NASA Ames code; panel methods for low and high speed flows; uses unstructured geometry and also computes aero-heating CART3D NASA Ames unstructured Euler code AVUS AFRL/RBA developed unstructured Navier Stokes solver
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Tools - Geometry
SolidWorks
3D CAD geometry tool developed by Dassault Systemes S.A. Outputs geometry in all major formats (xmt, igs, stp, stl) Robust tool for geometry; not ideal for typical aircraft shapes Requires certain level of proficiency to be productive Developed some macros to automate generation of wing parts

VSP
Vehicle Sketch Pad developed by NASA Langley for conceptual-level sketching of aircraft Ability to export crude triangulated mesh Computes common aircraft parameters of use (volume, reference quantities, wetted areas) Integrated vortex lattice solver

AMRAVEN
Aircraft geometry tool developed by Technosoft, Inc.

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Tools - Heating, Trajectory

HEAT-TK/SHABP Hypersonic Engineering Aerothermodynamic Trajectory Tool Kit; runs the Supersonic/Hypersonic Arbitrary Body program to compute high speed aero and heating MINIVER Developed by McDonnell Douglas Co. Aero and heating program POST Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories developed by the Martin Marietta Co. Trajectory analysis and optimization based on input vehicle characteristics and constraints
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Frameworks - ModelCenter
Produced by Phoenix Integration Process integration environment; automates analysis execution and facilitates design exploration (parameter studies, optimization) Allows linking and automation of legacy codes, Excel spreadsheets, MATLAB functions, scripts, and more Common uses in AFRL/RBAA Front end for legacy, text-based codes Managing complex processes Running thousands of iterations in trade study Simple optimizations and carpet plots

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Response Surfaces and Data Visualization using JMP

JMP is produced by the SAS Institute Chiefly a statistical analysis program Useful for interactively exploring, visualizing, and fitting data sets Common uses in AFRL/RBAA
Construct complex DOEs Visualize, sort, fit, and display complex data sets Construct Response Surface metamodels for further analysis Constraint analysis
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Assessment / Study Planning Process

Define Analysis Goals, Define Analysis Goals, Objectives, Products, Objectives, Products, and Impacts and Impacts Define Define Capability Gaps Capability Gaps and Solution Space and Solution Space Define Analysis Questions, Define Analysis Questions, Metrics, & Metrics, & Expected Products Expected Products Define Types Define Types of Analysis of Analysis Required Required

Planning Process Drives Execution Planning Process Drives Execution Plan & Spiral Development Plan & Spiral Development

Concept Cars or Parameter Bounds

MoEs

Define Model Define Model Fidelity/Abstraction Fidelity/Abstraction Requirements Requirements

Define Concept & Define Concept & Technology Space Technology Space

Input Ranges

Scenario & What to run Fidelity Reqd & Need for Surrogates

Define Approach Define Approach and Identify Models and Identify Models & Tools & Tools Define Products, Define Products, Project Plan, and Project Plan, and Team Team

Change Goals? Change Concepts? Change DOE?

Design Design Experiments Experiments

Run Matrix

Models Needed

Developers & Timeline Output Data Analyze Analyze Data Data Develop Develop Insight Insight Run Run Experiments Experiments Integrated Environment Develop & Develop & Verify Models Verify Models Models Integrate Integrate Models & Models & Verify Integration Verify Integration

Answer Answer Questions Questions

Data to Information (Using Visualization)

Information to Knowledge (Engage Decision Makers)

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Typical Assessment Process

Borrows heavily from Ga. Tech. (ASDL) TIF, TIES methods Quantitative Comparison of Technology Scenarios (Performance & Risk/Prob.)
CASPwt Propul FLOPS Takeoff

Establish Baseline Aircraft Model

Establish Key Inputs and Ranges, Tech Factors and Ranges, Outputs (responses)
[run screening test if necessary]

Quantitative Technology Assessment Process Develops response surface meta-model for further use Optimizes (including constraints) a baseline model (without technology) for further comparisons Provides quantitative comparison of vehicle with technology scenarios applied; performance and risk/probability can be assessed

Compile Scenario Response Results

Run RSM through Monte Carlo Analysis for Each Scenario Run Model Through DOE over Ranges of Interest

Construct Response Surface Model (RSM) using JMP Meta-Model of Responses Vs. Inputs and Factors Dist. A : Approved for Public Release

Establish Technology Scenarios; Assign Factor Dist. For Scenarios

Optimize Baseline Inputs (with constraints) Quickly Using RSM

Optimized Baseline Aircraft Without Technology Applied

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Analysis Example
Long Range Strike Study Objective: Explore configuration; Understand impact of technologies on aircraft

Supersonic FF

Wing Weight

Profile Drag

Induced Drag

Worst Case

Gross Weight

Best Case
1 2 3 4 5

Technology Application

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Typical Manual Design Process

Low Speed
Notional Concepts Requirements Missions Assumptions Baseline Mission Propulsion Parameters / Deck Technology Factors Other Analyses
Optimizer / Inv. Solver

Panel method Euler method NS method CASPwt VAAAS or Sprdsht. Propul FLOPS Takeoff

CAD

Change Tool Sets

Change Tool Sets

HASC/ AVL

FEM / Struct. Analysis Also: RCS Analysis Propul. Integr. Cntl. Law Dev. Subsys. Integr. Updated Perf. Cost Analysis ~6 m o.

S&C Assessment 6 DOF Sim

Vehicle Sensitivities Understanding of Trade Space Rough Sized Baseline Concepts ~ 1d ay

Refined Design and Layout Refined Weight and Balance Refined Aerodynamics ~1 Mission Performance we Takeoff & Landing Perf. ek

Level 0 Analysis (Empirical)

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Level 1 Analysis (Empirical / Simple Physics)

Level 2 Analysis / Prelim. Design (Physics Based)

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Analysis Example
Next Generation UCAV Design
Objective: Design affordable, lightweight, subsonic UCAV Sizing Geometry
FLOPS / ModelCenter tool Performance analysis Cost analysis
Response Model

SolidWorks CAD

Physical Models
SLA Wind tunnel

Analytical Models
DOE for sensitivity analysis IGES, STL formats

RCS CFD S&C

Determine feasible W/S, T/W

Variable Fidelity Analysis

Example: Aerodynamic predictions

Performance Predictions

Results

Configuration Drawings

Low FLOPS empirical

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Med Vortex lattice

High 3-D CFD

Capability as a function of size, cost

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Analysis Example
Common Mobility Planform Study

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Analysis Example
Mobility Sensitivity Study Objective: Quantify the sensitivities of baseline theater airlift vehicle to various performance capabilities/requirements

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Challenges Facing Configuration Analysis

Geometry Generation and Manipulation Quick synthesis of parametric, well-defined, watertight aircraft shapes/components Design using CFD optimization / inverse design (including lower order methods) Parametric structural layout, and timely analysis Uncertainty Quantification Visualization of Complex Data Sets Gleaning knowledge and wisdom from information Imposed Computing Restrictions Mixed OS computing Licensing of software Managing and configuring computers without administrative rights Tools for Unconventional Aircraft Morphing aircraft that change shape/state during mission Mixed and unconventional power/propulsion sources Low Reynolds Number / Very small UAVs Effectiveness-based Design Evaluated at the Mission or Campaign level
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Vision for the Future

Objective: Support directorate vision vehicles and Future Capability Leads with configuration and mission analysis and technology assessment service. Robust design capability Robust technology assessment capability Mission Areas / Vision Vehicles Mobility, Hunter/Killer UAV, Space Access, Hypersonic Cruise, Sensorcraft / Persistent ISR, Directed Energy platform, Long Range Strike, etc. Analysis Starting Points Given the Mission / Capability / Requirements design concept vehicle Given a highly defined vehicle / CAD model assess vehicle characteristics, assess impact of technology Given a generic set of questions regarding technology application, configuration, capability provide quantitative answers
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Vision for the Future (2)

Approach
Establish library of analysis tools that may be flight regime or type specific (aero codes, weight estimation routines, trajectory tools, performance programs) Establish processes for similar types of studies using common automation and process tools (ModelCenter, JMP, technology assessment methods) Use common geometry tool, data formats, and bookkeeping where possible; utilities to convert, manipulate this data

Key Features of System

Flexible and extensible Variable fidelity to the extent possible Cross Platform / OS-independent Utilities that generate filewrappers from input files
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Summary
Overview of AFRL, AFRL/RB, and AFRL/RBAA presented.
AFRL/RB serves as a systems integrator, bringing technology to bear in a complete package for the Air Force.

Usage of tools and frameworks presented.

A variety of tools and frameworks are employed, from COTS systems to specialized legacy tools.

Typically conducted analyses presented.

AFRL/RBAA engages in design and technology assessment analyses, seeking to meet configuration research needs for AFRL/RB

Discussed vision and challenges for configuration research.

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Air Vehicles Directorate

. . . 100 years of flight and counting . . .

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We give the Air Force its Wings

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