Drag minimization on a body of revolution through evolution

This study deals with the determination of the minimum drag profile of a body of revolution. With the restriction that the boundary layer is not allowed to separate, the profile is described by a continuous, linear line-singularity distribution defined at a number of points placed parallel in a uniform stream with zero angle of attack. The drag calculation is based on the momentum deficit in the boundary layer at the trailing edge of the body. By gradually changing the body profile with the Evolution Strategy the minimum drag profile is found for a constant fineness ratio. For a particular case, the drag coefficient is reduced by 30 percent by means of this procedure.