Shape and materials optimization to reduce RCS for antenna mounted on airfoil

Paper in proceeding, 2005

We investigate a new way of using Bézier curves to parameterize boundaries in optimization problems. Combined with a continuum design sensitivity formulation, this parameterization is used in two different test cases with the aim of reducing the monostatic RCS of an airfoil. The parameterization is shown to be flexible when setting up new optimization problems. The designs can be described using a few number of design variables, without loosing detail. The parameterization in combination with a gradient based method is robust and reliable, and the optimum can be found in a few number of iterations.