Suitability of Optimization Packages for an MDO Environment

An examination of the performance of several optimization packages and their suitability for inclusion in a realistic multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) environment is conducted. The packages are incorporated into a High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) aircraft design code and are used with both a response surface (RS) model and a more detailed, noisy model. While most packages converge to similar designs, there are large variations in CPU times and usability. Results are reported for a SGI workstation.