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July 2006

CFD Optimization

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IMPROVED PROCESS INTEGRATION

CFD Optimization with Altair HyperWorks

In the past few years, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been established as a widely used tool for product development. Powerful computers and sophisticated models enable the design engineer to understand the physical phenomena in the flow field and to investigate the sensitivity to various parameters. Traditionally, engineers use these results to achieve an optimum design using a trial-and-error process: Change the design, run the analysis and review the results. With these results using their experience and product knowledge engineers update the design and repeat the above process until they are satisfied with the results. Depending on the complexity of the model, this method can be time-consuming and error-prone. For engineers, this method is repetitive, with little room for exploration. Furthermore, since no mathematical optimization strategy is used, finding an optimal design is unlikely. Numerical optimization is an alternative to the traditional trial-and-error design method. Numerical design optimization is an automated iteration process that uses mathematical tools to find the optimal design for a given design criteria. The optimization problem is formulated, using design variables, objective and constraint function(s). The objective function measures the quality of a design. Constraints are design requirements, and they have to be satisfied by the optimal design. Both the objective and the constraints are functions of design variables. So, the optimization problem reads as follows: Find the design variable values that minimize (maximize) the objective function and satisfy the design constraints.

The Optimization Process

Fig. 1 Optimization process with HyperStudy. Altair's HyperStudy, a solver-neutral optimization tool, is the driver in the developed process. First, the user defines the design variables (DV), objective and design constraints. Then, HyperStudy starts the optimization loop and performs solver runs with varying DV combinations automatically. After each iteration, system responses are extracted, and the objective function and constraints values are evaluated. The DV combinations are then updated according to the algorithm chosen for optimization. The optimization procedure stops when the algorithm converges to a design that satisfies all the design constraints (a feasible design) and maximizes or minimizes the objective

function. In the above process, geometrical changes (known as shapes) are used as design variables and, therefore, the process of optimization is called shape optimization. Altairs morphing tool, HyperMorph, included in the HyperMesh environment, is used for the definition of shapes. For the morphing process, the grid of the basic geometry is parameterized and divided into domains. On certain nodes, handles are defined and assigned to a specific domain. Handles can be used to modify the grid. By moving a handle, only the nodes in the associated domain are affected, and local shape modifications can be created. Mesh distortion is minimized by applying smoothing algorithms.

Fig. 2 :The basic grid with a translation vector for a handle (left) and the modified, morphed, grid (right). The left side of Figure 2 shows the base grid, a translation vector and the handle denoted by the black dot. By moving the handle in the direction V, all the nodes in the associated domain (bounded by the dashed line) are modified. Different grid changes can be defined by formulating the translation of the handle as weight multiplied by the translation vector. The value of the weight ranges between a lower and an upper bound. In the right part of Figure 2, the handle has been translated by the vector. This technology allows the definition of various shapes on a base grid; these shapes are then used as design variables in optimization. Node-ID and cell-ID are left unchanged while the nodal coordinates are modified. The parameterized shapes are exported with HyperMesh. HyperStudy automates processes for parametric studies, design of experiments (DOE), optimization and stochastic studies. DOE studies are used to investigate the sensitivity of the system responses with respect to changes in the design variables. Several DOE methods are available in HyperStudy. Based on the DOE results, an approximate response surface can be created and used for optimization and stochastic studies. The stochastic analysis capabilities in HyperStudy allow engineers to investigate the sensitivity of the design to changes in the design environment, e.g. tolerances in material properties or manufacturing tolerances. Stochastic studies provide qualitative guidance to improve and optimize the reliability and/or robustness of designs. HyperStudy has two optimization algorithms: the method of feasible directions (MFD) and sequential response surface method (SRSM). Both methods use gradient-based algorithms. MFD is better suited for problems with design variable changes with small ranges and for linear problems. SRSM is the suggested method for general cases. In SRSM, the system responses are approximated by a quadratic polynomial that is determined in each iteration step from the results of the current and earlier iterations. A least-square method is used to define the polynomial. Example: Optimization of a Swirl Duct in a Diesel Direct-Injection Engine Driven by increasing fuel prices and more stringent emission restrictions, engineers are developing new techniques to increase the efficiency of diesel engines. One key point of these developments is the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. More control of the combustion process results in less fuel consumption and yields a better emission value. In this example, a swirl duct is optimized, coupling StarCD and HyperStudy.

Fig. 3: Numerical model for the inlet maniford cylinder configuration. The air for combustion comes through the inlet manifold. Before the air enters the cylinder, it runs through the swirl duct, in which the air swirl amplitude is increased. This ensures a good air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber necessary for an optimal

ignition process. Figure 3 shows the model for the CFD simulation of the inlet manifold and cylinder configuration. This model consists of 200,000 cells, air at 20o C, and one bar is used for the simulation. The flow is driven by a pressure difference between the inlet manifold and the cylinder. The standard k-epsilon turbulence model is used. Swirl ducts are an important part of the diesel direct-injection engines. Swirl ducts are characterized by the air mass flow rate and by the swirl factor, which is a relation between the axial torque and the volume flow rate. Generally speaking, these two factors are opposed to each other. A high swirl factor comes with a low air mass flow rate, and vice versa. Depending on the load of the engine, different demands on the air mass flow rate and the swirl factor must be met. Four different shape modifications created with HyperMorph are applied to the swirl duct to investigate the effects of the swirl ducts shape on the air mass flow rate and the swirl factor (Fig. 4). The shapes are applied with factors W1, W2, W3, W4, ranging between a lower and an upper bound. Thus, continuous transitions between the original shapes and the modified shapes are feasible. The four shapes are considered as design variables.

Fig. 4: Shape variations of the swirl duct created with HyperMorph. In this example, two different objectives are investigated. First, the air mass flow rate is maximized with a constraint on the minimum required swirl factor. This combination is preferable for the full load condition of the engine. Secondly, the swirl factor is minimized to find out the limit of the shape configurations. Here, no constraint is applied. In the first step, a DOE study is carried out to analyze the sensitivity of the system to the design variables. Several runs with different shape configurations are made and the behavior of the swirl factor and the air mass flow rate are as shown in Figure 5.

Fig. 5: Sensitivity of mass flow rate (left) and swirl factor (right) with respect to shape modifications of the swirl duct. If Shapes 1, 2 and 3 are applied, starting from their lower bound to upper bound, the diameter of the swirl ducts inlet part is extended, and more air can pass through it. As a result, the air mass flow rate increases. When Shape 4 is applied, the twisted section is affected and the mass flow rate decreases. The swirl factor S-65 is measured 65 mm below the flat cylinder head following Tippelmanns definition. Applying Shapes 1 and 3 decreases the swirl factor, while applying Shapes 2 and 4 increases it. The aforementioned opposing effects of air mass flow rate and swirl factor can be observed for Shapes 1, 3 and 4. In the second step, an optimization study is performed. The objective is to maximize the air mass flow rate while keeping the swirl factor S-65 above a specified value. HyperStudy automatically applies different shape combinations and runs the associated CFD simulations to find the optimum combination of shapes variables.

Fig. 6: Iteration histories for the objective: Maximize the mass flow rate (top left), swirl factor (top right) and design variables history (bottom). Figure 6 shows some results of the optimization study. The top left graph shows the history of the mass flow rate compared to the iteration cycles. The variations in the swirl factors can be seen in the top right graph, where two additional swirl factors are shown. The S-20 factor is determined 20 mm below the cylinder head and S-av is an average swirl factor over the whole cylinder domain. Iteration histories of the shape variables are shown in the lower graph. Shapes 2, 3 and 4 are applied with factors ranging between 0.0 and 1.0, while the factor for Shape 1 ranges between -0.1 and 1.0. In the first iteration, a baseline simulation is performed. Iterations 2 to 4 can be considered as a quick DOE study to investigate the sensitivity of the four design variables. The optimization stops after nine iterations. Compared to the initial value, mass flow rate is increased by 3%. Considering that the basic configuration was already experimentally optimized, the numerical optimization yields an additional improvement.

Fig. 7: Optimization with the objective of minimizing the swirl factor (left) with no restriction. The mass flow rate (left) increases while applying various shape configurations (right). In the third step, an optimization study to minimize the swirl factor S-65 is performed. The same shape variables are used, but no constraints are imposed (unconstrained formulation). This study provides information about the swirl factor limit in the defined design space of the swirl duct. With the optimal shape combination, the swirl factor can be reduced by 20%. In return, the mass flow rate increases by 6%. The optimization study yields a fully applied Shape 3. This result is consistent with the DOE results (Figure 5, right), where Shape 3 has a strong negative slope in the swirl factor sensitivity plot. HyperWorks Tools Add Process Value Used together, HyperMorph and HyperStudy are efficient and user-friendly tools for process integration, DOE, optimization and stochastic studies for CFD applications. With better process integration, engineers have fewer repetitive and non-value-added tasks. Using DOE, optimization and stochastic studies leads to optimized, reliable and robust designs as well as to a better understanding of the design performance.

SUPPORT TIPS & TRICKS KB#1: 708 Creating a bar element with a desired orientation vector PDF KB#2: 709 Using Mass as a response for HyperStudy PDF HYPERWORKS ADDITIONAL MACROS

UPCOMING EVENTS In the near future, Altair is participating in the following events: Altair "India/ASEAN" CAE Users Conference 2006 Aug. 3-5, 2006 Bangalore, India Click here for more info Altair Technology

Macro name: RenumberAllButSome This HyperMesh macro renumbers all entities in the model, while allowing the user to exclude some identities of any entity, such as nodes. Using this macro is very similar to that of the renumber panel in HyperMesh ("all" option). The macro will renumber or offset all entities in the model, except those selected to be excluded. Download Macro name: RenumberByPath This HyperMesh macro renumbers selected nodes in the model, while allowing the user to select nodes by path. The macro will renumber nodes in the model in ascending order. Download MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR ALTAIR'S FIRST HTC Altair Engineering is pleased to announce the First Annual HyperWorks Technology Conference (HTC) to be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 26 and 27, 2006, in Troy, Mich. The conference merges Altairs Optimization Technology Conference a leading yearly industry forum with our annual Altair Technology Seminar. The new HTC will encompass all facets of CAE technology as they relate to advanced product design. For more information and to register, visit www.altair.com/HTC2006 today.

Seminar: The Optimization-Driven Design Process Aug. 8, 2006 So Paulo, Brazil Click here for more info The HyperWorks Engineering Framework Global Seminar Series Aug. 10, 2006 Indianapolis, Ind. Click here for more info The HyperWorks Engineering Framework Global Seminar Series Aug. 17, 2006 Grand Rapids, Mich. Click here for more info SAE 2006 General Aviation Technology Conference Aug. 29-31, 2006 Wichita, Kan. Click here for more info

NEWSLETTER FORMAT If you are unable to see the pictures in this email, please view the PDF. If you are unable to access the PDF or did not receive the attachments, please contact info-update@altair.com. REGISTER TODAY If you are new to this site or have not registered as an Insider user, we invite you to complete a brief sign-up form. As a registered user, you will have access to other support resources, including documentation, tutorials, software updates and macros. You will also have access to the iExchange message board.

TRAINING COURSES

Develop your skills

Here are upcoming HyperWorks training courses. Simply click on the course title to view details on the course content. Michigan training classes
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Introductory FEA Modeling and Results Visualization, Aug. 7-8 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_hm1.htm Interfacing HyperWorks with ABAQUS, Aug. 10 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_hm3.htm Introduction to HyperMorph, Aug. 14 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_hm5.htm Introductory Concept Design and Fine Tuning with OptiStruct, Aug. 15-16 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_os.htm Introductory DOE, Optimization and Stochastic Studies, Aug. 17 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_hs.htm Advanced HyperMorph, Aug. 18 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_hm6.htm Introduction to Managing and Using PBS Professional, Aug. 21-23 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_pbs.htm Introductory FEA Modeling and Results Visualization, Aug. 28-30 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_hm1.htm Introductory MBD Modeling and Results Visualization, Aug. 28-29 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_mv1.htm Aspects of Model Definition Language, Aug. 30 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_mv2.htm Interfacing HyperWorks with LS-Dyna, Aug. 31 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_hm2.htm Flexible Bodies for MBD, Aug. 31 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_mv3.htm

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California training classes

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Introductory FEA Modeling and Results Visualization, Aug. 8-10 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_hm1.htm

Wisconsin training classes

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Introductory FEA Modeling and Results Visualization, Aug. 15-17 www.altair.com/support/training/desc_hm1.htm

>> For more details on these courses, to obtain a full schedule or to inquire about customized onsite training, call your local Altair office or email training@altair.com. ALTAIR IN THE NEWS Altair Engineering and AMD Collaborate to Deliver Low-Cost, High-Performance Computing- Link Altair Engineering and Open iT Partner to Provide Enhanced Grid Solutions to the HPC Community - Link Altair Engineering to Acquire Mecalog Group and Its RADIOSS Technology Suite - Link Altair Engineering Partners with Permedia Research Group to Integrate PBS Professional with MPath Geosciences Simulator - Link Ferretti Group Selects Altair Engineerings HyperWorks Optimization Technology to Improve Design - Link

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