Optimal Shape Design of a 2-D Curved Duct Using a Mathematical Theory

수학적 이론을 이용한 이차원 곡면 덕트의 최적형상 설계

The objectives of the present study are to develop a systematic method rather than a conventional trial-and-error method for an optimal shape design using a mathematical theory, and to apply it to engineering problems. In the present study, an optimal condition for a minimum pressure loss in a two-dimensional curved duct flow is derived and then an optimal shape of the curved duct is designed from the optimal condition. In the design procedure, one needs to solve the adjoint Navier-Stokes equations which are derived from the Navier-Stokes equations and the cost function. Therefore, a computer code of solving both the Navier-Stokes and adjoint Navier-Stokes equations together with an automatic grid generation is developed. In a curved duct flow, flow separation occurs due to an adverse pressure gradient, resulting in an additional pressure loss. Optimal shapes of a curved duct are obtained at three different Reynolds numbers of 100, 300 and 800, respectively. In the optimally shaped curved ducts, the separation region does not exist or is significantly reduced, and thus the pressure loss along the curved duct is significantly reduced.