Development of a PIDO-Based Integrated Optimization Framework for High-Performance Tiltrotor Blade Design Considering Forward Flight and Hover Flow Conditions

In this study, we develop an integrated design optimization framework based on the open-source Process Integration and Design Optimization (PIDO) platform, Remote Component Environment (RCE), with the objective of maximizing the aerodynamic efficiency of tilt-rotor propulsion systems. The sectional airfoil optimization is performed using SU2, a high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics solver capable of accurate sensitivity evaluation through the discrete adjoint method. The design space is parameterized using the Hicks-Henne shape functions, and the objective function is defined as the maximization of the sectional lift-to-drag ratio. The planform optimization is conducted using the DAKOTA optimization package embedded within RCE. The design variables include the chord length and twist angle specified at five spanwise control points, while the objective function is defined as the maximization of overall propulsive efficiency. Aerodynamic performance of each updated blade geometry is evaluated using the Multi-Fidelity Hybrid Aerodynamic Solver (MFHAS), which integrates a panel-based vortex particle method with supplemental loss models. The proposed PIDO-based integrated optimization framework is applied to the XV-15 tiltrotor configuration developed by Bell Helicopter to assess its effectiveness and validate its capability for high-performance rotor design.