HERMES is an acronym that stands for "Hypersonic vehicles Enhancement via Robust Multi-fidelity optimization for the Exploitation of Space". Hypersonic flight captures the utmost interest of both the Academic and the Industrial communities. To provide a few examples, hypersonic applications entail manned spacecraft re-entering the atmosphere, reusable launchers, research and experimental powered aircraft at a high altitude, or sub-orbital vehicles for space-tourism.
From a design standpoint, an accurate prediction of the complex physical phenomena characterizing hypersonic flight is mandatory for improving the design of vehicles. Besides, the optimization quest is challenged by uncertainty which unavoidable affects reality and can lead to catastrophic failures. Therefore, hypersonic applications call for robust design methodologies which, unfortunately, are extremely demanding from the computational perspective.
To ease the burden, the HERMES project proposes a multi-fidelity approach to the robust design of hypersonic vehicles. Merging pieces of information of diverse fidelity and complexity allows complementing data to achieve a more efficient methodology.
The ultimate goal is to advance the design of hypersonic vehicles, improving performances and efficiency to reduce launch costs and facilitate access to the space.
The Hermes project is funded by the PRIN22 framework (Project n. 2022YPMRNW).