AeroSandbox — The Complete Guide: Free Aircraft Design Optimisation in Python
AeroSandbox is an open-source (MIT) Python library for designing and optimising aircraft and other engineered systems. You write the model in NumPy-like syntax, and the library computes derivatives automatically and solves large optimisation problems quickly.
AeroSandbox
Peter Sharpe
A Python library for aircraft design optimisation — aerodynamics, structures, propulsion and trajectory in one differentiable model.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Vortex-lattice method — aerodynamics of wings and aircraft.
- Airfoils and wings — analysis and optimisation.
- Structures — analysis of composite tube spars.
- Propulsion — electric motor models.
- Trajectory optimisation — in the same model as the rest of the system.
Who it suits
The library is used mainly in the conceptual design of drones and small aircraft, when you want to optimise the whole system together rather than each discipline separately. There is no graphical interface — all work is done in code, so you need to be comfortable with Python. Free for any use, including commercial work.
Related tools
For wing and aircraft analysis with a graphical interface — XFLR5. For building aircraft geometry — OpenVSP. For broad multidisciplinary optimisation — OpenMDAO.
XFLR5
XFLR5 Project
Aerofoil and aircraft analysis for low Reynolds numbers.
Get it from the vendor
OpenVSP
NASA
NASA parametric aircraft geometry modelling for conceptual design.
Get it from the vendor
XFOIL
MIT — Mark Drela
Airfoil analysis and design at low Reynolds numbers — the classic reference in the field.
Get it from the vendor
OpenMDAO
NASA Glenn Research Center
A framework for multidisciplinary optimisation, from NASA.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
AeroSandbox suits engineers who want to optimise a complete aircraft in code — free, open and fast.