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A knowledge-based system integrated with numerical analysis tools for aircraft life-cycle design

An integrated design and manufacturing approach allows economic decisions to be made that reflect an entire system design as a whole. To achieve this objective, we have developed and utilized integrated cost and engineering models within a focused design perspective. A framework for the integrated design of an aircraft system with a combined performance and economic perspective is described in this article. This framework is based on the concept of Design Justification using a Design-for-Economics approach. We have developed a knowledge-based system that can be used to evaluate aircraft structural concept material and process selections. The framework consists of the knowledge-based system, integrated with numerical analysis tools including an aircraft performance/sizing code and a life-cycle cost analysis code. Production cost estimates are applied for evaluation of process trades at the subcomponent level of design. Life-cycle cost estimates are used for evaluation of process trades at the system level. Results of a case study are presented for several advanced wing structural concepts for a future supersonic commercial transport aircraft. Cost versus performance studies indicate that a high-speed civil transport aircraft with a hybrid wing structural concept, though more expensive to manufacture than some homogeneous concepts, can have lower direct operating costs due to a lower take-off gross weight and less mission fuel required.