Quick Start#

Introduction#

RCAIDE (Research Community Aircraft Interdisciplinary Design Environment) is an advanced, Python-based framework designed to revolutionize aerospace engineering analysis and design. This comprehensive guide introduces the framework’s core concepts, architecture, and capabilities, helping users seamlessly transition from SUAVE to RCAIDE’s enhanced environment.

Code Philosophy#

RCAIDE represents the next evolution in aerospace design software, built on the foundation that future aerospace innovations require sophisticated, collaborative software methodologies. By providing an integrated, open-source environment, RCAIDE empowers users to explore cutting-edge technologies, novel vehicle configurations, and their broader impacts on society, economy, and environment.

Code Architecture#

The RCAIDE ecosystem consists of two primary branches:

  1. RCAIDE - Framework: Serves as the architectural backbone, integrating various

    components and providing core functionality.

    • Libraries: Houses modular, pure functions organized into logical domains.

  2. Regressions - Comprehensive test suite ensuring reliability and validation. - Automated verification of framework functionality.

RCAIDE’s architecture follows a hierarchical structure optimized for clarity and efficiency:

Repository Root
├── RCAIDE/
│   ├── Framework/               # Core system integration
│   │   ├── Analyses             # Analysis modules for different physics domains
│   │   ├── Core                 # Essential framework functionality and base classes
│   │   ├── External Interfaces  # Connectors to external tools and software
│   │   ├── Missions             # Mission profile definitions and handlers
│   │   ├── Networks             # Energy network and propulsion system modeling
│   │   ├── Optimization         # Optimization algorithms and tools
│   │   ├── Plugins              # Extension points for additional functionality
│   └── Libraries/
│       ├── Attributes           # Fundamental parameters
│       ├── Components           # Physical system elements
│       ├── Methods              # Discipline-specific algorithms
│       ├── Mission              # Flight profile definitions
│       └── Plots                # Visualization tools
└── Regressions/        # Validation test suite

Technical Capabilities#

RCAIDE supports multi-fidelity analysis across numerous domains:

  • Mission-level vehicle analysis

  • Aerodynamic performance evaluation

  • Comprehensive vehicle performance metrics

  • Mass properties analysis (weights, CG, inertia)

  • Energy network optimization

  • Design space exploration

  • AI/ML integration

  • Model-based systems engineering (MBSE)

Each analysis type offers multiple fidelity levels, allowing users to balance computational cost with required accuracy.

Workflow Examples#

1. Vehicle Mission Analysis#

def main():
    # Vehicle Definition
    vehicle = vehicle_setup()

    # Configuration Creation
    configs = configs_setup(vehicle)

    # Analysis Methods
    analyses = analyses_setup(configs)

    # Mission Profile
    mission = mission_setup(analyses)

    # Results Visualization
    plot_results(mission)

2. Performance Analysis#

def analyze_performance():
    # Setup
    vehicle = vehicle_setup()

    # Analysis
    payload_range = compute_payload_range(vehicle)
    takeoff_performance = compute_takeoff(vehicle)

    # Visualization
    plot_performance_metrics(payload_range, takeoff_performance)

SUAVE Transition Support#

To facilitate a smooth transition from SUAVE, RCAIDE includes:

  • Compatible data structures and interfaces

  • Legacy SUAVE support through an embedded, frozen version

  • Enhanced terminology and organization while maintaining familiar workflows

  • Backward compatibility layers for existing SUAVE scripts

Advanced Features#

RCAIDE extends beyond traditional aerospace analysis tools by incorporating:

  • Modern software engineering practices

  • Extensive Python ecosystem integration

  • AI/ML capabilities for advanced optimization

  • Comprehensive documentation and examples

  • Built-in visualization tools

  • Automated testing and validation

Best Practices#

When working with RCAIDE:

  1. Utilize the hierarchical structure for organized code development.

  2. Leverage built-in multi-fidelity capabilities appropriately.

  3. Take advantage of the modular library system.

  4. Implement proper version control practices.

  5. Make use of the automated testing framework.

Conclusion#

RCAIDE represents a significant advancement in aerospace engineering software, offering a robust, flexible, and future-proof environment for innovation. Its comprehensive capabilities, coupled with careful attention to user experience and software engineering principles, make it an ideal platform for both academic research and industrial applications.

For detailed information, tutorials, and advanced examples, please refer to the main documentation and associated tutorials.