Structural weight estimation for multidisciplinary optimization of a high-speed civil transport

A combination of aerodynamic and structural optimization enables low-cost designing of high-speed civil transport (HSCT). A finite element model-based structural optimization procedure with flexible loads successfully estimates the wing bending-material weight of the HSCT. The structural optimizations are compared with two quasiempirical weight equations and good correlation is observed with one of them. An interlacing procedure combines two weight equations and structural optimization efficiently in the HSCT design.