Engineering topics
Pulliam, Tom
Publications and source records attributed to Pulliam, Tom.
Aerodynamic Shape Optimization Using Evolutionary Algorithms
A method for aerodynamic shape optimization based on an evolutionary algorithm approach is presented and demonstrated. Results are presented for a number of model problems to access the effect of algorithm parameters on convergence efficiency and reliability. A transonic viscous airfoil optimization problem, both single and two-objective variations, is used as the basis for a preliminary comparison with an adjoint-gradient optimizer. The evolutionary algorithm is coupled with a transonic full potential flow solver and is used to optimize the inviscid flow about transonic wings including multi-objective and multi-discipline solutions that lead to the generation of pareto fronts. The results indicate that the evolutionary algorithm approach is easy to implement, flexible in application and extremely reliable.
Euler/Navier-Stokes Methods
Implicit methods have been the workhorse for the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations for the last 25 years. The ground breaking work of Dr. Joe Steger in implementing such techniques in practical Euler and Navier-Stokes codes provided the basis for all the success in this area. This presentation will highlight his contribution and technical excellence in the area of implicit methods for CFD.