Model-Based Sequential Design of Experiments with Machine Learning for Aerospace Systems

Traditional experimental design methods often face challenges in handling complex aerospace systems due to the high dimensionality and nonlinear behavior of such systems, resulting in nonoptimal experimental designs. To address these challenges, machine learning techniques can be used to further increase the application areas of modern Bayesian Optimal Experimental Design (BOED) approaches, enhancing their efficiency and accuracy. The proposed method leverages neural networks as surrogate models to approximate the underlying physical processes, thereby reducing computational costs and allowing for full differentiability. Additionally, the use of reinforcement learning enables the optimization of sequential designs and essential real-time capability. Our framework is validated by optimizing experimental designs that are used for the efficient characterization of turbopumps for liquid propellant rocket engines. The reinforcement learning approach yields superior results in terms of the expected information gain related to a sequence of 15 experiments, exhibiting mean performance increases of 9.07% compared to random designs and 6.47% compared to state-of-the-art approaches. Therefore, the results demonstrate significant improvements in experimental efficiency and accuracy compared to conventional methods. This work provides a robust framework for the application of advanced BOED methods in aerospace testing, with implications for broader engineering applications.