Re-engineering the design process through computation

This paper reviews the use of computational flow simulation for aircraft design. While computational simulation has already yielded great benefits, its impact continues to be restricted by computational and human costs. The requirements of the design process are examined in detail. In current practice there are bottlenecks in geometry modelling, data handling and mesh generation. To exploit computational simulation more effectively there is also a need to combine it with automatic optimization procedures. A case study is presented of a recent industrial experience with optimization. Finally it is suggested that developments in information technology now offer the opportunity to produce an integrated numerical design environment, and to re-engineer the design process.