- Parametric Optimization
- Fully Automated
- Unlimited Technical Support
- DOE - Design Of Experiment
- Inbuilt optimization
- External optimization
TOPT enables solving a wide range of optimization tasks. Based on the simulation results (optimization function), TOPT can optimize parameters for model shapes, flow velocity, various boundary conditions, or any other model parameters or simulation setup. The optimization function can be based, for example, on the model efficiency, material stress, best RPM, flow coefficients, or on any other simulation results.
Example 1: Shape Optimization
TOPT is used inside the simulation environment TCAE. The TOPT running mode can be either “DOE” (Design Of Experiment) or “optimize”. Mode DOE can be either explicit or implicit. Mode optimize can be either external or built-in. TOPT running loop can easily include external software for CAD model creation, or for parametric space transformation, or optimization. All the external software pieces can be added to the TOPT work scheme. TOPT is flexible enough to work with in-house codes, commercial codes, and open-source. The following scheme shows how TOPT works.
Example 2: Finding Best Parameters
TOPT can find the highest value of the optimization function. In this example, the optimization function is the lift coefficient of an Airfoil NACA 2412. The main parameter is the angle of attack. TOPT runs an optimization loop to find the highest lift coefficient depending on the flow angle of attack.
Example 3: Complex Turbomachinery Optimization
Optimizing a centrifugal fan is a great example of TOPT capabilities. By allowing for complex optimization workflows, TOPT can help deliver the winning design with the best possible performance. In this case, the optimization was performed on the entire centrifugal fan, with five parameters being adjusted to optimize the efficiency, which served as the optimization function. With its powerful optimization capabilities, TOPT can play a crucial role in improving the performance and efficiency of centrifugal fan systems.
Example 4: Propeller Optimization
Propeller Aerodynamic simulation-driven Optimization. Lift over Torque. An automated process of optimizing the performance of a propeller for a given aircraft using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation techniques. The optimization function is a metric that represents the overall efficiency of the propeller, taking into account both lift and torque produced by the propeller. The optimization process aims to maximize the Lift – Torque ratio, which represents the lift-to-torque ratio produced by the propeller. This ratio is an important factor in determining the efficiency and performance of the propeller, and optimizing it through simulation can lead to improved flight performance for the aircraft. The workflow involves using CFD (TCFD) and parametric geometry-builder (OpenVSP) to model and analyze the performance of a propeller and then using an optimization algorithm (TOPT direct) to identify the design parameters that result in the best performance.
Example 5: Axial Fan Simulation-driven Optimization
CFD simulation-driven optimization of axial fans is a novel and effective method to improve the performance and efficiency of axial fans, which are widely used in various fields such as ventilation, cooling, and propulsion. By using TOPT, the optimal design parameters of the axial fan blades can be obtained under different operating conditions and constraints. The workflow involves using CFD (TCFD) and parametric geometry-builder (OpenVSP).
TOPT work scheme
TOPT is used inside the simulation environment TCAE. The TOPT running mode can be either “DOE” (Design Of Experiment) or “optimize”. Mode DOE can be either explicit or implicit. Mode optimize can be either external or built-in. TOPT running loop can easily include external software for CAD model creation, or for parametric space transformation, or optimization. All the external software pieces can be added to the TOPT work scheme. TOPT is flexible enough to work with in-house codes, commercial codes, and open-source. The following scheme shows how TOPT works.
Acknowledgement: The development of this software module was supported by:
