ADJOINT METHOD FOR CONTROLLED CAVITATION INVERSE NOZZLE DESIGN

A mathematical methodology is proposed for designing nozzle hole shapes producing controlled geometric cavitation. The proposed methodology uses an unstructured RANS flow solver, with the ability to compute sensitivity derivatives via an adjoint algorithm. The adjoint formulation for the N-S equations is presented while variation of the turbulence viscosity is not taken into account during the geometry modifications. The sensitivities are calculated in a mode independently of the shape parameterisation. The method is used to develop and evaluate conceptual shapes for nozzle hole cavitation reduction. The localized region at the hole inlet producing cavitation, is parameterised using its radius of curvature, while a cost function is formulated to eliminate the negative pressures present at this location. Sensitivity derivatives are used to assess the dependence of the localized region on the minimum pressure, and to drive the geometry to the targeted shape. The results show that the computer model can provide nozzle hole entry shapes that produce predefined flow characteristics, and thus can be used as an inverse design tool for nozzle hole cavitation control.