CFD-driven design optimization?
 

Hello,

I posted this in the FloWorks forum but noticed there's way more activity in the Ansys-related forums so forgive my crosspost.

I saw a demonstration of Vanderplaats' Genesis software where the specific needs, materials, and constraints of a part were inputted, and the software then generated a model. The software optimized the shape to the specified criteria.

Is this possible with any CFD-related software? If so, which?

I'm designing a simple elbow for airflow to pass through two known flanges fixed in space and dimension. I am looking to optimize this elbow by having software tell me the geometry between the two flanges rather than have me take SWAG's over and over as I test them via CFD and crudely hone in on a design.

Thanks in advance for any help!

BP

Re: CFD-driven design optimization?
 

Hi Bill,

I have posted this before and been told I was wrong, but I believe you can do something like this using Ansys Workbench combining Design Modeler, Design Explorer, CFX Mesh, and CFX. I have not done this myself, but have seen and heard about this capability at the Ansys Conference in San Diego last year. You should talk to an Ansys/CFX rep (if you have one) or investigate online at ansys.com and send them your question.

Alternatively, there is a software out there called sculptor from Optimal Solutions (http://www.optimalsolutions.us/) that can take geometries and perturb the mesh. You could use this in an optimization loop with just about any CFD software if programmed correctly. You could also potentially use scripting in ICEM-CFD or Pointwise/Gridgen in an optimization loop as well.

There are a lot of options, but they will require varying amounts of expertise in Meshing, Computer Science, CFD, and Optimization.

Best of luck,

-Alex

Re: CFD-driven design optimization?
 

Thanks, Alex. That sounds like a ton of work. I am just gonna run some "manual loops" of CFD iterations and part tweakage, until the red areas turn bluey green, and I'll have won 90-something% of the battle for way less caloric input on my part. :)

Thank you though!

Re: CFD-driven design optimization?
 

Bill,

We have been actively developing user-friendly CFD-based design optimization software and anticipate having prototype software out soon.

If you are interested in participating as a potential alpha tester of the software, let me encourage to sign up by taking The CFD Pain Survey, found at www.o-ptimal.com.

We'd love to have your and others direct input during our current software development cycle.

Regards, Greg