11th AIAA/CEAS Aeroacoustics Conference, Monterey, CA
Authors: U. Idahosa, V.V. Golubev, and V.O. BalabanovPublication Date: May 23-25, 2005
Abstract:
This work discusses application of an automated multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) system to noise control in turbomachinery. Numerous issues in the automated optimization procedure, such as those related to proper geometry parameterization, algorithms selection, and transparent interconnections between different elements of the optimization process are discussed. In benchmark test studies, the work examines a problem of blade shape optimization to minimize fan (rotor) noise, the dominant source of sound radiation both in high-speed fan applications (such as high-bypass-ratio turbofans, propellers of turboprop and IC engines in general aviation, and helicopter rotors) and low-speed ones (including applications in automotive, computer, air-conditioning and other industries). For low-speed fan applications, an approach is developed based on using an unstructured RANS solver coupled with an automated mesh generator. In the high-speed open-rotor project, the automated optimal blade design process employs a response analysis module developed on the basis of panel-based aerodynamic code integrated with an integral acoustic solver. Success of various optimization algorithms (including gradient-based and evolutionary) in finding global minima of the objective function for a noise metric in both unconstrained and constrained optimization processes is examined.