A hybrid inverse design method for non-lifting bodies in incompressible flow

A hybrid approach is presented for the multipoint inverse design of general axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric bodies in incompressible flow. In this method, an inverse design approach based on conformal mapping is used to design a set of airfoils in isolation. These airfoils are then assembled into a 3D body. The inverse design parameters for the isolated airfoils are then adjusted by a multidimensional nonlinear solver to achieve desired aerodynamic properties such as velocity gradients on the 3D body. This method can be used with more complex geometries, such as bodies in the presence of a wing or other lifting and non-lifting components. The examples in this paper demonstrate the flexibility of the design method when applied to design problems of varying complexity. The suitability of various numerical schemes are also investigated. Although the examples in this paper only deal with single design points, there is no inherent limitation to only one flow condition, and it is possible to specify desired aerodynamic properties for multiple operating points (angles of attack and/or sideslip).