OPtimum design for potential flows

Abstract Described in this paper is a methodology for solving a particular class of optimum design problems in Fluid Mechanics, namely optimum design problems for aerofoils when the corresponding fluid flow is potential. The methods described in this paper operate directly in the physical space, and take advantage of the variational formulation of the partial differential equation modelling the flow. The techniques of optimal control, optimization and the finite element method are used. Numerical examples are also given.