Engineering Sketch Pad (ESP)

Introduction

ESP is an open-source software suite designed to streamline the entire Multi-Disciplinary Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) process, from conceptual design to detailed analysis. It eliminates the need for multiple, often incompatible, software tools by providing a unified environment for various design tasks.

Key Features

• Open Source: Freely available and modifiable for customization.
• Seamless Integration: Supports import/export of various file formats and connections to different analysis tools.
• Robust Geometry Modeling:
  • Leverages OpenCASCADE for solid modeling foundation.
  • Employs EGADS for creating and manipulating parametric geometry.
  • Handles complex geometries effectively.
• Multi-fidelity Analysis: Integrates with low-fidelity and high-fidelity analysis tools.
• Sensitivity Analysis: Calculates the sensitivity of design outputs to design parameters, enabling efficient optimization.
• User-Friendly Interface: Web-based interface provides a convenient platform for interacting with the design process.

Benefits

• Improved Design Efficiency: Eliminates the need for juggling multiple software tools, streamlining the workflow.
• Reduced Errors: Seamless data transfer minimizes errors associated with data exchange between different stages.
• Faster Design Optimization: Efficient sensitivity analysis facilitates quicker design iterations.
• Open-source Nature: Enables customization and wider adoption within the engineering community.

Applications

• Aerospace Engineering: Design and optimization of aircraft components like wings and fuselages.
• Other Engineering Disciplines: Applicable to any field requiring MDAO processes.

ESP Architecture

• OpenCASCADE: Provides the solid modeling foundation.
• EGADS: Builds upon OpenCASCADE for parametric geometry creation.
• OpenCSM: Links design parameters to geometry within EGADS.
• ESP: Web-based interface for user interaction with the design process.
• CAPS (Computational Aircraft Prototype Syntheses): Manages information flow between geometry, analysis tools, and the design environment.
• AIMs (Analysis Interface Modules): Interface between CAPS and various analysis tools.

Step-by-Step Design Process in ESP

The design process is divided into phases, each focusing on a specific aspect:

1. Geometry Creation: Utilize low-fidelity analysis tools (e.g., XFoil, AVL) to define airfoil sections and wings.
2. Structural Analysis: Analyze the structural integrity of the design using software like Masstran or MYSTRAN.
3. Sensitivity Analysis: Calculate the sensitivity of design outputs (e.g., lift, drag) to design parameters.
4. Mesh Generation: Generate surface and volume meshes for CFD analysis.
5. 3D CFD Analysis: Perform CFD simulations using a solver like SU2.

Additional Resources

• ESP Documentation: https://acdl.mit.edu/ESP/
• ESP Publications: https://acdl.mit.edu/ESP/Publications/AIA