Airfoil Shape Optimization: Comparative Study of Meta-heuristic Algorithms, Airfoil Parameterization Methods and Reynolds Number Impact

Abstract The aerodynamic efficiency in airfoil theory is defined as the ratio between lift and drag force, which main objective function to be maximized a wide kind of vehicle design due its strong relationship fuel consumption range. This work employs 4-digits NACA parameterization, recently developed 6-parameters method, PARSEC technique with correction matrices available literature, compare computational cost ability achieved higher these parameterizations. A genetic algorithm particle swarm optimization routines are implemented Matlab, also sine-cosine tested, where Xfoil open-source fluid dynamic software OpenFOAM coupled algorithms. Finally, Reynolds number impact study performed related shape angle attack maximizes efficiency. results showed faster convergence for highest by 6-parameter method. Furthermore, number, optimum lift-to-drag well less camber obtained.