Model-Based System Multidisciplinary Design Optimization for Preliminary Design of a Blended Wing-Body Underwater Glider

Unlike traditional propeller-driven underwater vehicles, blended-wing-body underwater gliders (BWBUGs) achieve zigzag gliding through periodic adjustments of their net buoyancy, enhancing their cruising capabilities while minimizing energy consumption. However, enhancing gliding performance is challenging due to the complex system design and limited design experience. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a model-based, multidisciplinary system design optimization method for BWBUGs at the conceptual design stage. First, a model-based, multidisciplinary co-simulation design framework is established to evaluate both system-level and disciplinary indices of BWBUG performance. A data-driven, many-objective multidisciplinary optimization is subsequently employed to explore the design space, yielding 32 Pareto optimal solutions. Finally, a model-based physical system simulation, which represents the design with the largest hyper-volume contribution among the 32 final designs, is established. Its gliding performance, validated by component behavior, lays the groundwork for constructing the entire system’s digital prototype. In conclusion, this model-based, multidisciplinary design optimization method effectively generates design schemes for innovative underwater vehicles, facilitating the development of digital prototypes.