E-Thesis 270 views 347 downloads
Development of Design Optimisation Techniques with Application to the Transonic Performance of the Skylon Spaceplane / BEN SMITH
Swansea University Author: BEN SMITH
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.68884
Abstract
The aim of this thesis was the explore design optimisation techniques that could be used in the optimisation process of the Skylon spaceplane. The research began by investigating the performance of the existing design at a critical design point, the results of which were presented to industry partne...
| Published: |
Swansea University, Wales, UK
2025
|
|---|---|
| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Evans, B. J., and Walton, S. P. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68884 |
| Abstract: |
The aim of this thesis was the explore design optimisation techniques that could be used in the optimisation process of the Skylon spaceplane. The research began by investigating the performance of the existing design at a critical design point, the results of which were presented to industry partners. Parameterisation techniques were then explored and a novel mesh morphing framework was developed. The method uses Radial Basis Functions to ensure that a mesh remains suitable for computational fluid dynamic analysis following the application of a morph function to a subset of the geometry. This framework was used to explore optimised designs with the aim of reducing the drag coefficient of the geometry, which was achieved with a reduction in drag coefficient of up to 2% for the Skylon spaceplane at Mach 1.2 |
|---|---|
| Item Description: |
A selection of content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis to protect sensitive and personal information |
| Keywords: |
Design Optimisation, Mesh Morphing, Bayesian Optimisation |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
Reaction Engines Ltd, EPSRC |