Aerodynamic optimization design of new type tandem airship based on response surface methodology

The new type tandem buoyancy-lifting airship, based on the NACA aerofoil, not only possesses considerable volume efficiency, but also the aerodynamic efficiency. In order to improve its aerodynamic efficiency farther, the optimum design for aerodynamic configuration of tandem airship is executed with the response surface methodology. Adopting the uniform experimental design method, taking the sweepback tandem airship as the basic configuration, axis and normal coordinate of back wing as the design variable, lift, drag and lift-drag ratio as the objective function, the second-order response surface optimization model of aerodynamic parameter has been constructed via CFD and response surface approximation theory. With the presented method, the optimization design is applied to lift-drag characteristic of tandem airship. The results indicate that the response surface methodology is effective, feasible and applicable for aerodynamic optimum design.