Effect of Shape Parameterization on Aerodynamic Shape Optimization

This paper studies the effect of shape parameterization on automatic aerodynamic shape optimization. Four shape parameterization techniques are studied: mesh points, Hicks-Henne bump functions, B-spline curves and the PARSEC method. The objective is to compare them based on accuracy and impact on the computational cost. First, this paper presents the complete formulation of the optimal design problem for the Navier-Stokes equations. Second, the implementation of these surface representation methods is explored. Finally, results are presented for inverse and drag minimization problems.