Aircraft Design and System Optimization

In the dynamic field of aerospace engineering, the quest for optimal aircraft design is a cornerstone of innovation and progress. Pursuing efficiency, performance, and sustainability necessitates continuous exploration and advancement in aircraft design optimization methodologies. In addition, including subsystem analysis is crucial for developing novel aircraft concepts, as it offers invaluable insights into the intricate relationship between various components and their impact on overall aircraft performance and efficiency. This Special Issue seeks to spotlight the latest developments in aircraft design and subsystem optimization, aiming to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications to propel the aerospace industry forward.

This Special Issue invites contributions in the form of original research articles, reviews, and case studies, focusing on addressing the multifaceted challenges inherent in aircraft design optimization. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Integrated Design Frameworks: Novel approaches and frameworks that integrate aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, subsystems, and other disciplines to facilitate holistic aircraft design optimization.

Advanced Optimization Algorithms: Exploration and implementation of cutting-edge optimization algorithms tailored for aircraft design, including genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and evolutionary strategies, among others.

Multi-Fidelity Integration and Consistency: Methodologies aimed at accurately capturing the complex physics involved in aerodynamics, structural dynamics, subsystems, and propulsion systems. These methodologies enable researchers to seamlessly integrate data from various fidelity levels, ranging from low-fidelity conceptual models to high-fidelity detailed simulations.

Surrogate Modeling and Metaheuristic Optimization: Using surrogate models and metaheuristic optimization techniques expedites design exploration while maintaining accuracy and reliability.

Uncertainty Quantification and Robust Design: Strategies for quantifying and managing uncertainties in aircraft design, focusing on robust optimization approaches to enhance design reliability.

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MADO): Advancements in MDO techniques for simultaneously optimizing across multiple disciplines, addressing challenges such as disciplinary coupling and computational efficiency.

Systems Engineering Methods: Integration of the aircraft design optimization process with model-based systems engineering (MBSE), including, but not limited to, integrating aircraft design with requirements, system architecture, systems modeling languages (such as SysML, Arcadia, etc.), product-line engineering methods, decision-making processes, and verification and validation.

Innovative Aircraft Configurations and Their Subsystem Integration: Exploration and analysis of novel aircraft configurations, including blended-wing bodies, distributed propulsion systems, and unconventional lifting surfaces. Integration and optimization tools must be developed for the conceptual design stage to address current system integration challenges, such as space utilization, power distribution, electrification, safety, and thermal management.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability: Integration of environmental considerations and sustainability metrics into aircraft design optimization, with a focus on reducing emissions and environmental impact.

This Special Issue serves as a platform for researchers, engineers, and practitioners to disseminate their latest findings, share insights, and foster collaboration in the vibrant field of aircraft design optimization. We welcome contributions that showcase theoretical advancements and practical applications, aiming to shape the future of aerospace engineering.

Finally, I would like to thank Jasper Bussemaker and his valuable work for assisting me with this Special Issue.

Dr. Musavir Bashir
Prof. Dr. Ruxandra Botez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Aerospace is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• aircraft design optimization
• aircraft Subsystem optimization
• integrated design frameworks
• model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
• advanced optimization algorithms
• high-fidelity simulations
• surrogate modeling
• metaheuristic optimization
• uncertainty quantification
• multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization
• innovative aircraft configurations
• environmental sustainability