Design of fluid components using the topological optimization method

• Published in: Engineering computations 2019-08, Vol.36 (5), p.1430-1448
• Main Authors: Ruspini, L.C, Dari, E, Padra, C, Paissan, G.H, Salva, N.N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-D printers; Air flow; Arteries; Blood flow; Finite element method; Fluid dynamics; Fluid flow; Fluids; Galerkin method; Industrial applications; Intake manifolds; Lagrange multiplier; Linearity; Manifolds (mathematics); Mathematical analysis; Nonlinearity; Optimization; Partial differential equations; Reynolds number; Sailing; Topology optimization; Two dimensional analysis; Velocity; Viscosity
• ISSN: 0264-4401; 1758-7077
• DOI: 10.1108/EC-11-2018-0527

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present applications of the topological optimization method dealing with fluid dynamic problems in two- and three dimensions. The main goal is to develop a tool package able to optimize topology in realistic devices (e.g. inlet manifolds) considering the non-linear terms on Navier–Stokes equations. Design/methodology/approach Using an in-house Fortran code, a Galerkin stabilized finite element is implemented method to solve the three equation systems necessary for the topological optimization method: the direct problem, adjoint problem and topological derivative. The authors address the non-linearity in the equations using an iterative method. Different techniques to create holes into a two-dimensional discrete domain are analyzed. Findings One technique to create holes produces more accurate and robust results. The authors present several examples of applications in two- and three-dimensional components, which highlight the potential of this method in the optimization of fluid components. Research limitations/implications The authors contribute to the methodology and design in engineering. Practical implications Engineering fluid flow systems are used in many different industrial applications, e.g. oil flow in pipes; air flow around an airplane wing; sailing submarines; blood flow in synthetic arteries; and thermal and fissure spreading problems. The aim of this work is to create an effective design tool for obtaining efficient engineering structures and devices. Originality/value The authors contribute by creating an application of the method to design a tridimensional realistic device, which can be essayed experimentally. Particularly, the authors apply the design tool to an inlet manifold.