Optimization of unsteady incompressible Navier–Stokes flows using variational level set method

This paper presents the optimization of unsteady Navier–Stokes flows using the variational level set method. The solid–liquid interface is expressed by the level set function implicitly, and the fluid velocity is constrained to be zero in the solid domain. An optimization problem, which is constrained by the Navier–Stokes equations and a fluid volume constraint, is analyzed by the Lagrangian multiplier based adjoint approach. The corresponding continuous adjoint equations and the shape sensitivity are derived. The level set function is evolved by solving the Hamilton–Jacobian equation with the upwind finite difference method. The optimization method can be used to design channels for flows with or without body forces. The numerical examples demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of this optimization method for unsteady Navier–Stokes flows.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sensitivity of a general class of shape functionals to topological changes

The topological derivative represents the first term of the asymptotic expansion of a given shape functional with respect to the small parameter which measures the size of singular domain perturbations. The topological derivative has been successfully applied in the treatment of problems such as topology optimization, inverse analysis and image processing. In this paper, the calculation of the topological derivative for a general class of shape functionals is presented. In particular, we evaluate the topological derivative of a modified energy shape functional associated to the steady-state heat conduction problem, considering the nucleation of a small circular inclusion as the topological perturbation. Several methods were proposed to calculate the topological derivative. In this paper, the so-called topological-shape sensitivity method is extended to deal with a modified adjoint method, leading to an alternative approach to calculate the topological derivative based on shape sensitivity analysis together with a modified Lagrangian method. Since we are dealing with a general class of shape functionals, which are not necessarily associated to the energy, we will show that this new approach simplifies the most delicate step of the topological derivative calculation, namely, the asymptotic analysis of the adjoint state.     

From imaging to material identification: A generalized concept of topological sensitivity

To establish a compact analytical framework for the preliminary stress-wave identification of material defects, the focus of this study is an extension of the concept of topological derivative, rooted in elastostatics and the idea of cavity nucleation, to 3D elastodynamics involving germination of solid obstacles. The main result of the proposed generalization is an expression for topological sensitivity, explicit in terms of the elastodynamic Green's function, obtained by an asymptotic expansion of a misfit-type cost functional with respect to the nucleation of a dissimilar elastic inclusion in a defect-free “reference” solid. The featured formula, consisting of an inertial-contrast monopole term and an elasticity-contrast dipole term, is shown to be applicable to a variety of reference solids (semi-infinite and infinite domains with constant or functionally graded elastic properties) for which the Green's functions are available. To deal with situations when the latter is not the case (e.g. finite reference bodies or those with pre-existing defects), an adjoint field approach is employed to derive an alternative expression for topological sensitivity that involves the contraction of two (numerically computed) elastodynamic states. A set of numerical results is included to demonstrate the potential of generalized topological derivative as an efficient tool for exposing not only the geometry, but also material characteristics of subsurface material defects through a local, point-wise identification of “optimal” inclusion properties that minimize the topological sensitivity at sampling location. Beyond the realm of non-invasive characterization of engineered materials, the proposed developments may be relevant to medical diagnosis and in particular to breast cancer detection where focused ultrasound waves show a promise of superseding manual palpation.     

Shape optimization of a body located in incompressible flow using adjoint method and partial control algorithm

The purpose of this study is to obtain an optimal shape of a body located in an incompressible viscous flow. The optimal shape of the body is defined so as to minimize the fluid forces acting on it by determining the surface coordinates based on the finite element method and the optimal control theory. The performance function, which is used to judge the optimality of a shape, is defined as the square sum of the drag and lift forces. The minimization problem is solved using an adjoint equation method. The gradient in the adjoint equation is affected by the finite element configuration. The use of a finite element mesh whose shape is appropriate for the procedure is important in shape optimization. If the finite element mesh used is not suitable for computations, the exact gradient is not calculated. Therefore, a structured mesh is used for the adjacent area of the body and all finite element meshes are refined using the Delaunay triangulation at each iteration computation. The weighted gradient method is applied as the minimization technique. Using an algorithm in which all nodal coordinates on the surface of the body are employed and starting from a circle as an initial shape, a front‐edged and rear‐round shape is obtained because of the vortices at the back of the body. To overcome this difficulty, we introduced the partial control algorithm, in which some of the nodal coordinates on the surface of the body are updated. From four cases of computational studies, we reveal that the optimal shape has both sharp front and sharp rear edges. All computations are conducted at Reynolds number Re=250. The minimum value of the performance function is obtained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Remarks on the numerical solution of the adjoint quasi‐one‐dimensional Euler equations

We examine the numerical solution of the adjoint quasi‐one‐dimensional Euler equations with a central‐difference finite volume scheme with Jameson‐Schmidt‐Turkel (JST) dissipation, for both the continuous and discrete approaches. First, the complete formulations and discretization of the quasi‐one‐dimensional Euler equations and the continuous adjoint equation and its counterpart, the discrete adjoint equation, are reviewed. The differences between the continuous and discrete boundary conditions are also explored. Second, numerical testing is carried out on a symmetric converging–diverging duct under subsonic flow conditions. This analysis reveals that the discrete adjoint scheme, while being manifestly less accurate than the continuous approach, gives nevertheless more accurate flow sensitivities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Design optimization of unsteady airfoils with continuous adjoint method

In this paper, a new unsteady aerodynamic design method is presented based on the Navier-Stokes equations and a continuous adjoint approach. A basic framework of time-accurate unsteady airfoil optimization which adopts time-averaged aerodynamic coefficients as objective functions is presented. The time-accurate continuous adjoint equation and its boundary conditions are derived. The flow field and the adjoint equation are simulated numerically by the finite volume method (FVM). Feasibility and accuracy of the approach are perfectly validated by the design optimization results of the plunging NACA0012 airfoil.     

Topological shape optimization of power flow problems at high frequencies using level set approach

Using a level set method we develop a topological shape optimization method applied to power flow problems in steady state. Necessary design gradients are computed using an efficient adjoint sensitivity analysis method. The boundaries are implicitly represented by the level set function obtainable from the “Hamilton–Jacobi type” equation with the “Up-wind scheme.” The implicit function is embedded into a fixed initial domain to obtain the finite element response and sensitivity. The developed method defines a Lagrangian function for the constrained optimization. It minimizes a generalized compliance, satisfying the constraint of allowable volume through the variations of implicit boundary. During the optimization, the boundary velocity to integrate the Hamilton–Jacobi equation is obtained from the optimality condition for the Lagrangian function. Compared with the established topology optimization method, the developed one has no numerical instability such as checkerboard problems and easy representation of topological shape variations.     

Benchmarking of adjoint sensitivity-based optimization techniques using a vehicle ride case study

Several studies on multibody dynamics optimization have been conducted. One important limitation of these studies is their computational e?ciency, especially when optimizing a complex system’s performance. The co-authors developed a very e?cient optimization technique based on an adjoint sensitivity analysis methodology. The scope of this article is to validate this technique by conducting a benchmark analysis against some of the most popular optimization methods, including gradient-based optimization using finite differences, design of experiment using optimal Latin hypercube, and design of experiment using full factorial design matrix. A vehicle system is used as a case study for optimizing its ride comfort.     

A stabilized finite element method for shape optimization in low Reynolds number flows

A gradient‐based optimization procedure based on a continuous adjoint approach is formulated and implemented for steady low Reynolds number flows. A stabilized finite element formulation is proposed to solve the adjoint equations. The accuracy of the gradients from the adjoint approach is verified against the ones computed from a simple finite difference procedure. The validation of the formulation and its implementation is carried out via flow past an elliptical bump whose eccentricity is used as a design parameter. Shape design studies for the elliptical bump are then carried on with a more complex 4th order Bézier parametrization of the bump. Results for, both, optimal design and inverse problems are presented. Using different initial guesses, multiple optimal shapes are obtained. A multi‐objective function with additional constraints on the volume and the drag coefficient of the bump is utilized. It is seen that as more constraints are added to the objective function the design space is constrained and the multiple optimal shapes become progressively similar to each other. The study demonstrates the usefulness of this tool in obtaining multiple engineering solutions to a given design problem and also providing a framework to impose multiple constraints simultaneously. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimal flow control for Navier–Stokes equations: drag minimization

Optimal control and shape optimization techniques have an increasing role in Fluid Dynamics problems governed by partial differential equations (PDEs). In this paper, we consider the problem of drag minimization for a body in relative motion in a fluid by controlling the velocity through the body boundary. With this aim, we handle with an optimal control approach applied to the steady incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. We use the Lagrangian functional approach and we consider the Lagrangian multiplier method for the treatment of the Dirichlet boundary conditions, which include the control function itself. Moreover, we express the drag coefficient, which is the functional to be minimized, through the variational form of the Navier–Stokes equations. In this way, we can derive, in a straightforward manner, the adjoint and sensitivity equations associated with the optimal control problem, even in the presence of Dirichlet control functions. The problem is solved numerically by an iterative optimization procedure applied to state and adjoint PDEs which we approximate by the finite element method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adjoint‐based design of shock mitigation devices

Unsteady Euler and adjoint Euler solvers have been combined in order to aid in the design of shock mitigation devices. The flowfield is integrated forward in time and stored. The adjoint is then integrated going backwards in time, restoring and interpolating the saved Euler solution to the current point in time. The gradient is obtained from a surface integral formulation during the adjoint run. Comparisons of adjoint‐based and finite‐differencing gradients for different verification cases show less than 10% deviation. The results obtained indicate that this is a very cost‐effective way to obtain the gradients of an objective function with respect to surface design changes. Moreover, as the sensitivity information is determined over a complete surface, the procedure provides considerable insight, and can efficiently facilitate the design of shock mitigation devices such as architecturally appealing blast walls. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

相变传热问题的灵敏度分析与优化设计方法

研究了相变传热问题的优化设计及其灵敏度分析方法. 在有限元-时间差分和等效热容 法求解相变温度场的基础上,提出了相变温度场对设计变量一阶灵敏度的计算方法,给出直 接法和伴随法两种计算格式并分析了它们的特点,建立了相变温度场优化的模型和算法,在有限元分析与优化设计软件JIFEX中实现了该方法. 数值算例表明了灵敏度计算的精度和优 化方法的有效性.     

Structural–acoustic sensitivity analysis of radiated sound power using a finite element/ discontinuous fast multipole boundary element scheme

The complete interaction between the structural domain and the acoustic domain needs to be considered in many engineering problems, especially for the acoustic analysis concerning thin structures immersed in water. This study employs the finite element method to model the structural parts and the fast multipole boundary element method to model the exterior acoustic domain. Discontinuous higher‐order boundary elements are developed for the acoustic domain to achieve higher accuracy in the coupling analysis. Structural–acoustic design sensitivity analysis can provide insights into the effects of design variables on radiated acoustic performance and thus is important to the structural–acoustic design and optimization processes. This study is the first to formulate equations for sound power sensitivity on structural surfaces based on an adjoint operator approach and equations for sound power sensitivity on arbitrary closed surfaces around the radiator based on the direct differentiation approach. The design variables include fluid density, structural density, Poisson's ratio, Young's modulus, and structural shape/size. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the accuracy and validity of the proposed algorithm. Different types of coupled continuous and discontinuous boundary elements with finite elements are used for the numerical solution, and the performances of the different types of finite element/continuous and discontinuous boundary element coupling are presented and compared in detail. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Continuous and discrete adjoint approaches for aerodynamic shape optimization with low Mach number preconditioning

Discrete and continuous adjoint approaches for use in aerodynamic shape optimization problems at all flow speeds are developed and assessed. They are based on the Navier–Stokes equations with low Mach number preconditioning. By alleviating the large disparity between acoustic waves and fluid speeds, the preconditioned flow and adjoint equations are numerically solved with affordable CPU cost, even at the so‐called incompressible flow conditions. Either by employing the adjoint to the preconditioned flow equations or by preconditioning the adjoint to the ‘standard’ flow equations (under certain conditions the two formulations become equivalent, as proved in this paper), efficient optimization methods with reasonable cost per optimization cycle, even at very low Mach numbers, are derived. During the mathematical development, a couple of assumptions are made which are proved to be harmless to the accuracy in the computed gradients and the effectiveness of the optimization method. The proposed approaches are validated in inviscid and viscous flows in external aerodynamics and turbomachinery flows at various Mach numbers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

广义变分原理的结构形状优化伴随法灵敏度分析

提出了一种利用伴随变量进行结构形状优化灵敏度分析的新方法. 基于广义变分原理， 考虑了形状优化中位移边界条件的变化对结构响应的影响. 新方法弥补了Arora 等人所提出的形状优化灵敏度分析变分原理中的缺陷，为采用伴随法进行灵敏度分析提供了 新的框架.     

Efficient and robust algorithms for solution of the adjoint compressible Navier–Stokes equations with applications

The complete discrete adjoint equations for an unstructured finite volume compressible Navier–Stokes solver are discussed with respect to the memory and time efficient evaluation of their residuals, and their solution. It is seen that application of existing iteration methods for the non‐linear equation—suitably adjointed—has a property of guaranteed convergence provided that the non‐linear iteration is well behaved. For situations where this is not the case, in particular for strongly separated flows, a stabilization technique based on the Recursive Projection Method is developed. This method additionally provides the dominant eigenmodes of the problem, allowing identification of flow regions that are unstable under the basic iteration. These are found to be regions of separated flow. Finally, an adjoint‐based optimization with 96 design variables is performed on a wing–body configuration. The initial flow has large regions of separation, which are significantly diminished in the optimized configuration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于坐标映射的类周期电磁金属阵列布局设计的灵敏度分析方法

特定性能的类周期电磁金属阵列已成功应用于多种类型的电磁器件中,以实现其电磁辐射或散射性能的提升设计.类周期电磁金属阵列可描述为由多个相似形状的电磁金属单元按照特定的布局形式组合形成.布局形式由阵列的布局参数确定,通常包括每个单元的尺寸、转角以及位置参数.布局参数往往规模较大且相互独立,需要经过设计优化以满足阵列的性能要...     

A methodology for the development of discrete adjoint solvers using automatic differentiation tools

A methodology for the rapid development of adjoint solvers for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models is presented. The approach relies on the use of automatic differentiation (AD) tools to almost completely automate the process of development of discrete adjoint solvers. This methodology is used to produce the adjoint code for two distinct 3D CFD solvers: a cell-centred Euler solver running in single-block, single-processor mode and a multi-block, multi-processor, vertex-centred, magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) solver. Instead of differentiating the entire source code of the CFD solvers using AD, we have applied it selectively to produce code that computes the transpose of the flux Jacobian matrix and the other partial derivatives that are necessary to compute sensitivities using an adjoint method. The discrete adjoint equations are then solved using the Portable, Extensible Toolkit for Scientific Computation (PETSc) library. The selective application of AD is the principal idea of this new methodology, which we call the AD adjoint (ADjoint). The ADjoint approach has the advantages that it is applicable to any set of governing equations and objective functions and that it is completely consistent with the gradients that would be computed by exact numerical differentiation of the original discrete solver. Furthermore, the approach does not require hand differentiation, thus avoiding the long development times typically required to develop discrete adjoint solvers for partial differential equations, as well as the errors that result from the necessary approximations used during the differentiation of complex systems of conservation laws. These advantages come at the cost of increased memory requirements for the discrete adjoint solver. However, given the amount of memory that is typically available in parallel computers and the trends toward larger numbers of multi-core processors, this disadvantage is rather small when compared with the very significant advantages that are demonstrated. The sensitivities of drag and lift coefficients with respect to different parameters obtained using the discrete adjoint solvers show excellent agreement with the benchmark results produced by the complex-step and finite-difference methods. Furthermore, the overall performance of the method is shown to be better than most conventional adjoint approaches for both CFD solvers used.     

Second order topological sensitivity analysis

The topological derivative provides the sensitivity of a given cost function with respect to the insertion of a hole at an arbitrary point of the domain. Classically, this derivative comes from the second term of the topological asymptotic expansion, dealing only with infinitesimal holes. However, for practical applications, we need to insert holes of finite size. Therefore, we consider one more term in the expansion which is defined as the second order topological derivative. In order to present these ideas, in this work we apply the topological-shape sensitivity method as a systematic approach to calculate first as well as second order topological derivative for the Poisson’s equations, taking the total potential energy as cost function and the state equation as constraint. Furthermore, we also study the effects of different boundary conditions on the hole: Neumann and Dirichlet (both homogeneous). Finally, we present some numerical experiments showing the influence of the second order topological derivative in the topological asymptotic expansion, which has two main features: it allows us to deal with hole of finite size and provides a better descent direction in optimization process.     

热结构瞬态响应的耦合灵敏度分析方法与优化设计

研究结构瞬态热变形和热应力的灵敏度分析方法及其优化设计,灵敏度计算给出了直接法和伴随法两种算法.考虑了温度场的耦合作用,在直接法中需要计算温度场对设计变量的导数,在伴随法中需要计算热载荷对温度场的导数.数值算例验证了该方法的精度.伴随法在应用程序中的实现,为大型结构优化提供了高效率的灵敏度计算方法.