Topology optimization of subsonic compressible flows

This work proposes a new topology optimization formulation to subsonic compressible flows. Compressible flows can be seen in many aerodynamic problems and optimization techniques can be used to improve designs of wings, diffusers, and other applications. In this work, the compressible Navier-Stokes equations are used coupled with a density-based material model. The effects of the material model are shown for both the momentum and energy equations. Two objective functions are considered, the entropy variation in a control volume and the entropy generation. The algorithm is implemented by a finite element model to solve the state equations. The pyadjoint libraries are used to perform the automatic sensitivity derivation and an internal point optimizer is used to update the design variable. The algorithm is evaluated by performing the optimization of 2D domains and a 3D diffuser. The results show optimized designs with reduced entropy generation.

Automated summary

This work proposes a new topology optimization formulation for subsonic compressible flows, using compressible Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a density-based material model. The algorithm is implemented by a finite element model and evaluated by optimizing 2D domains and a 3D diffuser, resulting in optimized designs with reduced entropy generation.