Computational fluid dynamics analysis and extended adaptive hybrid functions model-based design optimization of an explosion-proof safety valve

Abstract

ABSTRACT Extremely complex flow channels and multi-parameter, highly nonlinear thermal fluid–structure interactions are the main factors restricting the exploration mechanism and optimal design of explosion-proof valves. To overcome these problems, comprehensive numerical research is performed in this paper, particularly concerning the method of valve dynamic modeling, and surrogate model-based design optimization. First, numerical models are presented; a dimensionality reduced computational fluid dynamics modeling method is proposed, using two approaches to simulate the blocking effect of flame-retardant sheets. Their accuracy is verified using both steady and transient simulations, which indicate that the equivalent volume is more accurate than the equivalent porous method. Second, to improve the flame-quenching ability of the explosion-proof valve, surrogate modeling-based design optimization is performed. In optimization, three structural parameters are selected as design variables and the extended adaptive hybrid functions (E-AHF) surrogate model is used as the predictive model. Based on the developed surrogate model, a genetic algorithm is implemented to identify the optimum structure of the flame-retardant sheets. To verify the performance of the optimized design, 3D steady-state simulations are performed. The results indicate that the cooling effect of the optimized scheme on the high-temperature gas is increased by 12.21%.