Development of CFD-based design optimization architecture

n this paper, design optimization problems are faced using CFD solvers as analysis tools. The procedure is developed in the framework of the Multi-disciplinary Design Optimization (MDO), and is applicable in many multi-disciplinary analysis environment. We present a specific example of the design optimization of a surface ship, where a great effort is needed for the solution of the hydrodynamic problem, i.e. the free-surface flow past the ship hull. Objective functions are the total drag, the flow quality in the propeller region and the sea-keeping performances of a surface combatant of the US Navy. In the analysis, models of growing complexity have been used, ranging from potential to RANSE solver, to deal with the free surface flow past the ship.