TITLE:
A Comprehensive Review of Modern Aerodynamic Optimization Techniques
AUTHORS:
Agastya Mundhe, Sananjay Biswas
KEYWORDS:
Aerodynamic Optimization, Adjoint & Evolutionary Methods, Machine Learning & Surrogate Modeling, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Nano Science and Engineering,
Vol.16 No.3,
September
11,
2026
ABSTRACT: In order to improve performance, efficiency, and sustainability in energy, automotive, and aerospace systems, aerodynamic optimization is an essential part of contemporary engineering design. Current advances in aerodynamic optimization are covered in this paper, including gradient-based methods such adjoint techniques for efficient sensitivity analysis in high-dimensional design spaces and gradient-free and evolutionary algorithms for complex and nonlinear situations. The increased incorporation of machine learning and surrogate modeling has reduced the computing cost of high-fidelity CFD simulations, enabling faster and more efficient design exploration. The essay also discusses multidisciplinary and multi-objective optimization frameworks for aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and structures. We examine high-dimensional design spaces, computational costs, uncertainty quantification, and novel research avenues like physics-informed models and hybrid CFD-AI techniques. This page compiles trends and methods for aerodynamic optimization.