Shape optimization with computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

In many product design and development applications, computational fluid dynamics CFD has become a useful analytical simulation tool. CFD simulations are quite useful in predicting several response parameters for a given design condition. However, like any analysis tool CFD simulations provide limited insight into the design space and the changes needed to find the optimum design parameters. This paper deals with the shape optimization of fluid flows using CFD and numerical optimization techniques. By integrating a commercial optimization code with a CFD code, a CFD shape optimization tool was developed. To study the effectiveness of the developed tool and its ability to produce results with reasonable CPU time, the shape optimization of an airfoil and S-shaped duct are studied with different numbers of design variables. The developed shape optimization tool along with the optimization and CPU time results are discussed.