An approach to multi-fidelity in conceptual aircraft design in distributed design environments

In the present study we introduce a design environment consisting of a framework, a central model and a newly developed conceptual design module. The Common Parametric Aircraft Configuration Scheme (CPACS) is the standard syntax definition for the exchange of information within preliminary airplane design at DLR. Several higher fidelity analysis modules are already connected to CPACS, including aerodynamics, primary structures, mission analysis and climate impact. The analysis modules can be interfaced via a distributed framework. To initialize the design processes, capabilities are needed to close the gap between top-level requirements and preliminary design. Additionally, results of a design loop need to be merged to generate inputs for further iterations and convergence control. For this purpose we developed a conceptual design module based on handbook methods where the focus is set on multi-fidelity. For the upward change in level of detail a knowledge-based approach is used for the generation of CPACS models. This includes the geometry generation, as well as additional data such as the mass breakdown and the tool-specific inputs for further analyses in higher fidelity modules. The feedback loop is closed downwards by reducing the granularity from the CPACS data set back to the level of conceptual design methods. The conceptual design module is object-oriented and concepts, both for parameter and method replacement, are introduced. First results for multi-fidelity calculations are shown.