Getting aircraft design right from the start

Once a configuration successfully passes the preliminary design review, it goes on to the detailed design phase. Knowledge-based and integrated optimisation of all design considerations at an early stage drives major aircraft project savings and minimised life-cycle costs.

Recognising the critical importance of a strong foundation on which to build eco-friendly aircraft for next-generation configurations, the EU funded the project 'AERODESIGN - Preliminary design methodologies' (AERODESIGN). Its main objective was to deliver a comprehensive modelling tool for the best and most cost-effective preliminary designs.

The tool is supported by a complete database of existing aircraft assets and validated results. Aircraft design is optimised based on the changing shape of the lifting surfaces that are provided as input.

Design begins with the initiator that provides a general aircraft architecture from the aircraft requirements and the database of reference aircraft. From this starting point, the framework continues through eight different modules.

Based on the preliminary configuration, the geometry module determines aircraft layout and generates a computer-aided design geometry file. The weight and balance module then determines the weight distribution of the aircraft and its centre of gravity during loading/unloading and flight with fuel burn. Subsequent modules consider aerodynamics, engine data (including fuel consumption and thrust), mission and low-speed performance, direct and recurring costs analysis, and emissions and noise analyses.

The user can optimise the lifting surfaces according to one of four target parameters: maximum take-off weight, cost, noise or emissions. All are important considerations within the ambitious Clean Sky research initiative to decrease the environmental impact of air travel.

AERODESIGN's preliminary design tool has been validated as a powerful platform for the optimisation of aircraft design configurations at early stages. Holistic consideration of overall performance, including costs at this early stage, will help ensure that the EU delivers an eco-friendly and cost-effective fleet for future air transport.