A Variable-Rate Sampling Framework for Efficient Aerodynamic Data Sampling in CFD Applications
Conference
Title
A Variable-Rate Sampling Framework for Efficient Aerodynamic Data Sampling in CFD Applications
Abstract
Aerospace engineering simulations often require complex models that are expensive and time consuming to build and run. To meet time constraints, engineers often use simplified models, however, gathering the data for these models can be costly.
Shoal developed an adaptive sampling technique that leverages domain knowledge and error-based heuristics to adaptively focus computational effort where it is most needed in the context of developing a model of a system across parameter variations. The adaptive sampler evaluates the error between predicted and actual data points of the solution space. The sampler then determines the next sampling point based on a combination of the level of error surrounding each of the simplices in the triangulation and the size of the simplices, balancing exploration of the solution space with exploiting areas of known non-linearity.
The new approach improved aerospace engineering simulations, with smarter data collection strategies that reduced computational costs while maintaining accuracy.
Key takeaways:
- Applying the new sampler to an X15 (a hypersonic NASA experimental aircraft) aerodynamic model allowed evaluation of the sampler against a domain-specific dataset.
- The sampler showed improvements for small sample sizes (~16), but the results highlighted a limitation to the current implementation of the error-based heuristic sampler at nonlinear edge-cases.
- The results show that the proposed algorithm is effective in reducing the burden of sampling for surrogate generation in a general setting and is straightforward to apply and control via specified error tolerances.
Authors
Sarah Whitehouse, Modelling and Simulation Analyst, Shoal Group
John Ogilvie, Modelling and Simulation Engineer, Shoal Group
John Wharington PhD, Engineering Lead, Shoal Group
Date
Monday 1 December 2026
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About Shoal
Shoal is complex systems design company. We use Systems Engineering combined with Modelling, Simulation and Analysis to help our clients define, analyse, decide, optimise, and deliver technology-intensive projects in complex environments across Defence, Space, Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
More: shoalgroup.com
Contact
Matthew Wylie
Head of Engineering, Shoal Group
[email protected]
