A hybrid numerical optimisation technique based on Genetic and Feasible Direction Algorithms for multipoint helicopter rotor blade design

A tool for helicopter rotor blade design to improve performance and reduce rotor dynamics loads as well as aeroacoustic noise i presented. The optimization procedure is based on a genetic algorithm and a feasible direction technique. The former is used as a global optimizer, whereas the latter is used to refine the solution. The comprehensive analysis codes used to compute rotor performance, noise and loads are an Augusta proprietary code and CAMRAD-JA. Applications of this methodology to a twin engine light helicopter in different operative conditions are illustrated and discussed using both geometrical and structural parameters as design variables and different choices of the multi constrained objective function.