Design optimization of a compressor transition S-shaped duct using a teaching–learning-based optimization algorithm

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A high bypass turbofan aero-engine delivers compressed air from the low-pressure to the high-pressure compressor through a compressor transition duct. Weight and design space limitations impel to its S-shaped design. Despite that, the compressor transition duct has to guide the flow very carefully to the high-pressure compressor without disturbances and flow separations. Hence, the present paper is devoted to elaborate on the application of the proposed heuristic optimization technique known as multi-objective teaching–learning-based optimization (MO-TLBO) algorithm in the area of S-shaped transition compressor duct. The present algorithm is applied for obtaining the optimum design of the S-shaped duct while minimizing the total pressure loss coefficient and non-uniformity index at the S-shaped duct outlet. These objectives are also optimized independently and as a multi-objective consideration as well. Because of the conflicting nature of the objective functions, a Pareto-optimal curve is also presented for a successful trade-off between the objectives. Pareto-optimal curve gives flexibility to the designer for selecting the best set of the parameters based on the objectives. Successful execution of the proposed MO-TLBO algorithm is examined by comparing the optimum results acquired by the multi-objective genetic algorithm and comparisons divulge that the TLBO algorithm can be successfully practiced to obtain the optimized design of compressor transition S-shaped duct. Optimized duct shows the reduction in total pressure loss and non-uniformity by 28.80% and 36.67%, respectively, despite the reduction of 14.74% in overall length.