Multi-Disciplinary Analysis and Optimization of Integrated Spacecraft System Models, Phase I

M4 Engineering and Missouri S&T propose to investigate the viability of creating a multidisciplinary analysis and optimization architecture for analyzing spacecraft system models. The current approach will utilize commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software to alleviate acquisition hurdles for NASA (and public) technical monitors/reviewers. Next, a preliminary set of analysis modules will be developed including a CAD-based Geometry component capable of generating parametric geometry. Once the analysis modules are completed, integration within the OpenMDAO framework will commence. The MDAO tool will be developed to address the issues of being generic and scalable to larger spacecraft systems. Validation of the modules and the prototype tool will be carried out by constructing model problems to test various capabilities as well as a complete spacecraft system demonstration application with optimization of integrated multidisciplinary performance models. More »