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Quick Start — first fin-geometry optimization

This guide follows the actual Windows UI in Assignment 14. RASAero II must be installed separately; the optimizer does not include it.

1. Open the correct application

Open RASAero II Optimizer (Assignment 14 / build 1.0.1). Earlier development versions may remain in the Start menu. The tested Assignment 14 executable path was C:\RASAeroOptA14Final\RASAero_II_Optimizer.exe; your installed path may differ. In Windows, right-click a shortcut → Open file location → Properties → Target to identify it.

2. Load the rocket

  1. Choose File → Open RASAero file... or Browse... beside RASAero file.
  2. Select your .CDX1 file. Keep the original backed up.
  3. Check the Design tab and its rocket elevation and fin planform. The program can display geometry even for a design that fails its optimizer-compatibility check; read the status text carefully.
  4. If the simulator is not detected, choose File → RASAero executable... (or Locate... on the Optimization tab) and select the installed RASAero II.exe.

Sorcerer note: the bundled Sorcerer_baseline.CDX1 in the local application project is a reference configuration. Before using results for a newer build, confirm mass, CG, motor, geometry, and actual fin material assumptions.

3. Choose the parameters to vary

On the Design tab, enable the fin parameters you want the optimizer to change and set their lower/upper bounds using the dual-ended controls. For an initial two-variable study, fin span and sweep distance are straightforward choices. Disable other variables unless deliberately testing them. Preview the geometric extremes.

4. Configure the run

On the Optimization tab:

  • Set Maximum evaluations, Starting points, and an Output directory. A small test run verifies your setup; a more substantial run is needed for a useful shortlist.
  • Keep Constrained search enabled for static-stability screening. The shown defaults are 1.0 caliber below Mach 0.8 and 2.0 calibers at Mach 0.8 and above, for the software's applicable low-AoA samples. The native RASAero marginal-warning exclusion is enabled by default.
  • Empirical fin-flutter screening is optional and off by default. To enable its constraint, enter your fin material's effective shear modulus in GPa and your chosen maximum flight-speed / estimated-flutter-speed ratio. There is no default modulus or ratio threshold; do not copy demonstration values without checking your material.

5. Start and monitor

Click Run on the Optimization tab. The optimizer automates RASAero II with the mouse and keyboard, so avoid using the computer for other tasks during the active automation. The progress window shows evaluations, feasible candidates, current stage, and best RASAero altitude. Pause, Resume, and Stop controls exist, but Assignment 14 did not complete an active-interruption acceptance test.

6. Inspect the result, not just the highest number

Open the resulting Optimization Results window. Check the best feasible candidate separately from the unrestricted altitude winner. Use View Details..., Shortlist..., 3D candidates..., and History chart... to compare geometry and the evidence for each design. A shortlist can legitimately contain only one candidate if only one meets every enabled requirement.

7. Export and verify a design

Select a candidate in Results (or in Shortlist) and click Export... / Export selected.... Choose a destination in the Windows Save As dialog, then verify that the .CDX1 file exists and opens in RASAero II. This final GUI export path was not confirmed working in Assignment 14 because its automated test could not complete the Save dialog; retain the saved candidate files in the results folder as a fallback.

8. Preserve your study

Keep the entire selected Output directory, including its candidate subfolders. To reopen, use File → Open saved results... or Open saved results... on the Optimization tab and select that folder. Assignment 14 did not independently confirm reopening in a new process; check it yourself before relying on a long run.

Next: Read your results · Flutter inputs · Troubleshooting

Source basis: Assignment 14 review materials supplied with this documentation. Internal archive paths and raw evidence are not published.