Optimization strategy for wings/airfoils
 

Hi,

I am trying to implement optimization strategy for flapping wings/airfoils to obtain maximum thrust/lift/efficiency. There are a number of variables such as angle of pitch, frequency etc.

I have heard of genetic algorithm but I'm not sure if it is suitable. What other optimization strategies are there?

Hope someone can help. Thanks!

DAKOTA is an excellent tool for optimization. It is open source and has good support through mailing lists and manuals.

http://www.cs.sandia.gov/dakota/software.html

Thanks alot ppl!