Optimization of Anchor Point Selection for the Orion Crew Module Aerothermodynamic Database

2A process has been created to numerically obtain an optimum set of computational fluid dynamic anchor points to be employed by an engineering tool in producing the aerothermodynamic databases for the Crew Module component of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle. Cost functions have been developed using representations of the convective and radiative heating rates. The optimization is achieved via a Genetic Algorithm, due to the ease of implementing the desired cost functions and constraints. This approach has been used to determine various unconstrained and constrained sets of optimum anchor points for the aerothermodynamic database for Crew Module of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle.