Optimal Design of Axe-Symmetric Diffuser via Genetic Algorithm and Ball-Spine Inverse Design Method

Abstract

In this research, an optimal aerodynamic design of an axe-symmetric diffuser is performed via combination of a developed boundary layer numerical code, BSA inverse design Algorithm and genetic optimization algorithm. To do this, developed numerical boundary layer code is incorporated into the genetic algorithm to reach to an optimum pressure distribution on the wall in such a way that the maximum pressure recovery is obtained without separation. To validate the developed boundary layer code, the calculated quantities are compared with Blasius and Howart’s analytical results. Then, the optimized pressure distribution will be the candidate “target pressure distribution” for the inverse design algorithm to find out the relevant optimum geometry. Geometry modification takes place based on the combination of Ball-Spine algorithm and fluent software as the flow field solver. Implementation of this combination is completed through User Defined Function (UDF) feature of Fluent. Fluent advantageous provides the capabilities for extension of the proposed method to turbulent flows, complicated geometries and employment of both structured and unstructured grids. To show the true performance of the proposed method of inverse design, several issues have been investigated for different initial guess. To validate the effect of the presented method, increased pressure coefficient for an optimized diffuser is illustrated.