A hybrid inverse design method for axisymmetric bodies in incompressible flow

A hybrid approach is presented for the multipoint inverse design of axisymmetric bodies in incompressible flow. In this method, an inverse design approach based on conformal mapping is used to design an airfoil in isolation. This airfoil is then used to define the geometry of a three-dimensional, axisymmetric body. The inverse design parameters for the isolated airfoil are then adjusted through a multidimensional Newton iteration scheme to achieve the desired aerodynamic properties of the axisymmetric body. This method is demonstrated through the presentation of a number of examples. These examples also serve to highlight some of the powerful features associated with inverse design. The principles used in this method can easily be extended to more general geometries such as aircraft fuselages, wings and wing-fuselage fairings. In addition, it is possible to specify desired aerodynamic properties for multiple operating points (angles of attack and/or sideslip).