Surrogate Aerodynamics Modeling Applied to Surrogate Structural Dynamical Systems

Surrogate modeling can be used to rapidly develop and test a complex system whose broad characteristics can be simplified to answer specific questions. In turn, the inputs to these systems can also be converted into surrogates that represent real test scenarios, all of which drive the design process. The driver is to accelerate product realization by means of digital engineering practices. Our team at Sandia National Laboratories has developed a workflow that combines aerodynamic and structural surrogate models to analyze the effects of broad component parameters on the primary modes of a system. Given a desired preliminary design, a surrogate model is created which can be used to obtain mode shapes and frequencies that, ideally through proper modeling and understanding, are representative of the full system. Furthermore, our team has developed a range of surrogate structural dynamics models in the interest of a “ground-up” approach, wherein the simpler models are used to inform each subsequent, more complex iteration. An aerodynamic model is also created from the expected conditions the structure will be subjected to. Power spectral density (PSD) is extracted and converted into pressure data and further into forces applied to the structure, providing the capability to fully analyze the modal behavior of the system via the interfacing of surrogate models. An additional challenge addressed is a quick-turn model credibility process to match the speed at which these surrogate models are developed. The surrogates facilitate rapid simulation and design changes, significantly cutting the time and computing power required to obtain modal and test information compared to high-fidelity alternatives.