Exploring Freeform Deformation Capabilities in Aerodynamic Shape Parameterization

Efficient shape parameterization is a key issue in the design optimization of aerodynamic shapes. Freeform deformation technique (FFD), receives a growing interest in the field of aerodynamic shape parameterization. In this work an experimental study is performed, in order to explore the capabilities of FFD in the aerodynamic shape parameterization field. FFD technique is compared to the classical parameterization technique with B-Splines, by performing airfoil recovery tests, with a Differential Evolution algorithm to serve as the optimizer.