Sequential optimization algorithm for flying wings: bell-shaped lift distribution with optimal trim for stability

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/ingenierias29.101-994

Keywords:

Evolutionary algorithm, flying wing, aerodynamic optimization, bell-shaped spanload distribution

Abstract

This research presents the development and implementation of an evolutionary algorithm with the capacity of producing optimal flying wing configurations. This approach is based on the concept of evolutionary algorithms, which are able to generate candidate solutions, evaluate their effectiveness, and converge to an optimized solution. The core functioning of the algorithm considers aerodynamic elements such as efficiency, spanload distribution, as well as static stability criteria of the candidate wings. The latter is aimed at converging to a bell-shaped spanload distribution, and static stability parameters within a stable range.

In order to validate the algorithm, a comparative analysis is performed, where a reference wing from a general aviation aircraft is used, and later compared to an optimal solution generated by the algorithm. The result of this comparison demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach by presenting an improvement in reference parameters in comparison with the original aircraft.

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Author Biographies

Erik Gilberto Rojo Rodríguez, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

He holds a degree in Mechatronics Engineering (2015), a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering specializing in Flight Dynamics (2017), and a Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering Sciences (2021), all from FIME-UANL. He currently serves as the Head of the Aeronautical Engineering Program at FIME-UANL. He is a member of the SNII (National System of Researchers) at the Candidate level, conducting research in theoretical and practical aerodynamics, aircraft performance optimization, autonomous aerial vehicle design, and autonomous systems applications.

Gabriel Jérôme Vargas Moya, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

He received his degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 2025 from the Faculty of Engineering and Electrical Engineering at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. As a student, he participated in various research activities focused on developing new aerodynamic designs, with an emphasis on performance optimization and stable flight dynamics.

Edgar Ulises Rojo Rodríguez, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

He holds a degree in Mechatronics Engineering (2019) and a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering (2022), both from UANL. He is currently completing his doctoral studies in Aeronautical Engineering at CIIIA-FIME-UANL. His research focuses on the aerodynamic characterization of convertible aircraft, notably the development of Sparse Identification of Nonlinear Dynamics (SINDy) algorithms and the application of neural networks for the modeling and advanced control of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Octavio García Salazar, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Electronic Engineer (2000) from ITL and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (2003), also from ITL. He earned a Ph.D. in Systems Control from the University of Technology of Compiègne in 2009. He completed a CNRS postdoctoral fellowship at LAFMIA-CINVESTAV in 2011 and served as a visiting researcher at CINVESTAV Monterrey in 2012. Since January 2013, he has been a Full-Time Professor at FIME-UANL. He is a member of the National System of Researchers and Researcher Candidates (SNII), Level II, and his research focuses on drones, unmanned aerial systems, and flight dynamics.

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Published

2026-07-28

How to Cite

Rojo Rodríguez, E. G., Vargas Moya, G. J., Rojo Rodríguez, E. U., & García Salazar, O. (2026). Sequential optimization algorithm for flying wings: bell-shaped lift distribution with optimal trim for stability. Revista Ingenierías, 29(101), 107–122. https://doi.org/10.29105/ingenierias29.101-994

Funding data