A distributed Web-based framework for helicopter rotor blade design

► Web-based helicopter rotor blade framework is proposed. ► Centralized database system control the whole data input and output processes. ► Oracle database and PDM database manage analysis data and CAD data. ► Helicopter rotor blade design program with manufacturing process are applied in this framework. ► Automatic CAD configuration design is embed with CATIA VBA API. In Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) a wide variety of tools and techniques have been developed to assist in the analysis and optimization of highly complex systems. This paper focuses on a Web-based MDO framework that could be applied to MDO problems by combining rotorcraft blade analysis data and processing cost manufacturing data. The framework is based on a Web environment platform and is implemented in Java Programming Language. The system includes: an analysis code module, a graphical user interface (GUI), a CAD configuration module and a manufacturing process cost module. All modules are connected to the database and a centralized database management system (DBMS) that controls all input and output data. The analysis code module utilizes: initial sizing, airfoil configuration, airfoil coordinates, 2Kfoil, performance, and trim programs. The GUI module is developed from JSP and HTML code. By using a Java Database Connection component, data connection access between the GUI and database is possible. This framework aims to simultaneously support the integration of: legacy code, workflow management, parallel computing and fault tolerance. The application focuses on ease of use and access through Internet browser tools within a local intranet zone. Based on this framework, we can easily predict flight characteristics by using a flight simulation program, and pre-test real scenarios.