An innovative tool for shape optimization of low
speed airfoils was developed by the author at KTH,
in 1997-2000.

The tool is written in Matlab, and is constructed by
coupling the Matlab Optimization Toolbox with a
parametrised numerical aerodynamic solver.

The airfoil shape is expressed analytically as a
function of some design parameters. The NACA 4
digits library is used with design parameters that
control the camber and the thickness of the airfoil.

The solver has to provide fast and robust
computation of the lift, pitching moment and drag of
an airfoil placed in a low-speed...