Advances in numerical optimization have raised the possibility that efficient and novel aircraft configurations may be ``discovered'' by an algorithm. To begin exploring this possibility, a fast and robust set of tools for aerodynamic shape optimization is developed. Parameterization and mesh-movement are integrated to accommodate large changes in the geometry. This integrated approach uses a coarse B-spline control grid to represent the geometry and move the computational mesh; consequently, the mesh-movement algorithm is two to three orders faster than a node-based linear elasticity approach, without compromising mesh quality. Aerodynamic analysis is performed using a flow solver for the Euler equations. The governing equations are discretized using summation-by-parts finite-difference operators and simultaneous approximation terms, which permit nonsmooth mesh continuity at block interfaces. The discretization results in a set of nonlinear algebraic equations, which are solved using an efficient parallel Newton-Krylov-Schur strategy. A gradient-based optimization algorithm is adopted. The gradient is evaluated using adjoint variables for the flow and mesh equations in a sequential approach. The flow adjoint equations are solved using a novel variant of the Krylov solver GCROT. This variant of GCROT is flexible to take advantage of non-stationary preconditioners and is shown to outperform restarted flexible GMRES. The aerodynamic optimizer is applied to several studies of induced-drag minimization. An elliptical lift distribution is recovered by varying spanwise twist, thereby validating the algorithm. Planform optimization based on the Euler equations produces a nonelliptical lift distribution, in contrast with the predictions of lifting-line theory. A study of spanwise vertical shape optimization confirms that a winglet-up configuration is more efficient than a winglet-down configuration. A split-tip geometry is used to explore nonlinear wake-wing interactions: the optimized split-tip demonstrates a significant reduction in induced drag relative to a single-tip wing. Finally, the optimal spanwise loading for a box-wing configuration is investigated.

International aviation regulations on emissions are becoming more strict. Improvements goals on fuel efficiency demand development of technologies capable of reducing fuel consumption and gas emissions. Morphing structures capability to adapt their aerodynamic shape for optimal condition in flight brings potential for reduction of aircraft drag and operating fuel consumption, minimizing gas emissions and fuel expenses. This study presents an investigation on the impact of a camber morphing winglet on midsize business jet using numerical simulation and wind tunnel experiments. A genetic algorithm was used to optimize the winglet sections camber for different flight conditions. Optimized geometries achieved total drag reduction of up to 0.58% compared to original winglet for single condition optimization, reaching up to 7 % reduction on consumed fuel on a typical mission. This efficiency improvement allows aircraft to carry 900 kg additional load, comprising the morphing system and extra payload. There is an indication of even better results for applications on a bigger commercial jet. Presented methodology is also suitable for new winglet fixed geometry design or incorporating morphing technology. Aerodynamic balance force measurements showed that optimized winglets increased the wing effective aspect ratio (AReff), reducing the lift-induced drag, and maximum lift coefficient (CLmax). However, maximum lift to drag ratio (L/Dmax) was reduced on CL optimization region due to flow differences between optimization and wind tunnel conditions. Aerodynamic efficiency improvement was found for greater lift coefficients (CL). Reductions on wing tip vortex size and intensity due to winglet installation are seen on measured vorticity map, showing liftinduced drag reduction according to Maskells equation. Parabolic drag polar and Maskells equation methods were used for lift-induced drag calculation, using balance force and flowing mapping data for calculations. The presented concept showed considerable aircraft performance improvement, using a feasible device with greater certification ease than other morphing structures concepts, once the failure of this system would not compromise flight safety. Further investigation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel experiments is necessary to develop and test a functional camber morphing winglet device. / Regulamentações internacionais sobre emissões estão se tornando mais rigorosas. Metas de melhoria da eficiência de consumo de combustível demandam o desenvolvimento de tecnologias capazes de reduzir o consumo e emissões de gases. Estruturas capazes de adaptar sua forma aerodinâmica para condição ótima em voo trazem potencial de redução do arrasto e consumo de combustível da aeronave, minimizando as emissões de gases e gastos com combustível. Este estudo apresenta uma investigação sobre o impacto de uma winglet de camber variável em um jato executivo da categoria mid size utilizando simulação numérica e experimentos em túnel de vento. Um algoritmo genético foi usado para otimizar o camber das seções para diferentes fases de voo. As geometrias otimizadas reduziram o arrasto total em até 0.58% comparadas a winglet original na otimização de condição única, alcançando até 7% de redução no combustível consumido em missão típica. Essa melhoria de eficiência permite a aeronave carregar 900 kg de carga adicional, composta pelo sistema de adaptação e carga paga extra. Há uma indicação de resultados ainda melhores para aplicação em um jato comercial maior. A metodologia apresentada é apropriada para projeto de uma nova winglet de geometria fixa ou que incorpore a tecnologia de adaptação. Medidas de força com balança aerodinâmica mostraram que as winglets otimizadas aumentaram o alongamento efetivo da asa (AReff), reduzindo o arrasto induzido, e o coeficiente de sustentação máximo (CLmax). No entanto, a máxima razão entre sustentação e arrasto (L/Dmax) foi reduzida dentro do intervalo de CL da otimização devido as diferenças entre as condições do escoamento na otimização e no túnel de vento. Melhoria na eficiência aerodinâmica foi obtida para coeficientes de sustentação (CL) maiores. Reduções no tamanho e intensidade do vórtice de ponta de asa são vistas nos mapas de vorticidade medidos, mostrando redução do arrasto induzido segundo a equação de Maskell. Os métodos da polar de arrasto parabólica e da equação de Maskell foram usados para o cálculo do arrasto induzido, utilizando nos cálculos os dados de força da balança e o mapeamento do escoamento. O conceito apresentado mostrou melhoria considerável no desempenho da aeronave, utilizando um sistema factível e com maior facilidade para certificação que outros conceitos de estruturas adaptáveis, uma vez que a falha desse sistema não comprometeria a segurança do voo. Mais estudos são necessários para desenvolver e testar uma winglet de camber varável funcional.

Advances in numerical optimization have raised the possibility that efficient and novel aircraft configurations may be ``discovered'' by an algorithm. To begin exploring this possibility, a fast and robust set of tools for aerodynamic shape optimization is developed. Parameterization and mesh-movement are integrated to accommodate large changes in the geometry. This integrated approach uses a coarse B-spline control grid to represent the geometry and move the computational mesh; consequently, the mesh-movement algorithm is two to three orders faster than a node-based linear elasticity approach, without compromising mesh quality. Aerodynamic analysis is performed using a flow solver for the Euler equations. The governing equations are discretized using summation-by-parts finite-difference operators and simultaneous approximation terms, which permit nonsmooth mesh continuity at block interfaces. The discretization results in a set of nonlinear algebraic equations, which are solved using an efficient parallel Newton-Krylov-Schur strategy. A gradient-based optimization algorithm is adopted. The gradient is evaluated using adjoint variables for the flow and mesh equations in a sequential approach. The flow adjoint equations are solved using a novel variant of the Krylov solver GCROT. This variant of GCROT is flexible to take advantage of non-stationary preconditioners and is shown to outperform restarted flexible GMRES. The aerodynamic optimizer is applied to several studies of induced-drag minimization. An elliptical lift distribution is recovered by varying spanwise twist, thereby validating the algorithm. Planform optimization based on the Euler equations produces a nonelliptical lift distribution, in contrast with the predictions of lifting-line theory. A study of spanwise vertical shape optimization confirms that a winglet-up configuration is more efficient than a winglet-down configuration. A split-tip geometry is used to explore nonlinear wake-wing interactions: the optimized split-tip demonstrates a significant reduction in induced drag relative to a single-tip wing. Finally, the optimal spanwise loading for a box-wing configuration is investigated.

We have developed a general theory of the plasmonic enhancement of many-body phenomena resulting in a closed expression for the surface plasmon-dressed Coulomb interaction. It is shown that this interaction has a resonant nature. We have also demonstrated that renormalized interaction is a long-ranged interaction whose intensity is considerably increased compared to bare Coulomb interaction over the entire region near the plasmonic nanostructure. We illustrate this theory by re-deriving the mirror charge potential near a metal sphere as well as the quasistatic potential behind the so-called perfect lens at the surface plasmon (SP) frequency. The dressed interaction for an important example of a metal–dielectric nanoshell is also explicitly calculated and analyzed. The renormalization and plasmonic enhancement of the Coulomb interaction is a universal effect, which affects a wide range of many-body phenomena in the vicinity of metal nanostructures: chemical reactions, scattering between charge carriers, exciton formation, Auger recombination, carrier multiplication, etc. We have described the nanoplasmonic-enhanced Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) between quantum dots near a metal nanoshell. It is shown that this process is very efficient near high-aspect-ratio nanoshells. We have also obtained a general expression for the force exerted by an electromagnetic field on an extended polarizable object. This expression is applicable to a wide range of situations important for nanotechnology. Most importantly, this result is of fundamental importance for processes involving interaction of nanoplasmonic fields with metal electrons. Using the obtained expression for the force, we have described a giant surface-plasmoninduced drag-effect rectification (SPIDER), which exists under conditions of the extreme nanoplasmonic confinement. Under realistic conditions in nanowires, this giant SPIDER generates rectified THz potential differences up to 10 V and extremely strong electric fields up to 10^5-10^6 V/cm. It can serve as a powerful nanoscale source of THz radiation. The giant SPIDER opens up a new field of ultraintense THz nanooptics with wide potential applications in nanotechnology and nanoscience, including microelectronics, nanoplasmonics, and biomedicine. Additionally, the SPIDER is an ultrafast effect whose bandwidth for nanometric wires is 20 THz, which allows for detection of femtosecond pulses on the nanoscale.