Integrated multidisciplinary aircraft design process supported by a decentral MDO framework

Since aircraft design is inherently multidisciplinary, the exploitation of the interaction of the design-driving disciplines and physical phenomena opens the door for new design spaces and consequently new high-performing solutions. However, the key driver is to make these potentials accessible in the conceptual design of the aircraft, where the main aircraft configuration decisions are taken. In response to these challenges Airbus Defence and Space is developing an integrated air vehicle design process based on multidisciplinary and decentral IT framework enabling, on the one hand, shifting the focus in conceptual design from using statistics, especially if no statistics are available for an unconventional design, towards simulation assisted conceptual design on the basis of automatically generated numerical analysis models, and on the other hand, a seamless fidelity level of applied methods, tools and numerical simulation models between the concept design phase and subsequent design phases (preliminary, detailed, etc.).