Development of an Engineering Education Framework for Aerodynamic Shape Optimization

Abstract

Design optimization is a mathematical process to find an optimal solution through the use of formal optimization algorithms. Design plays a vital role in the engineering field; therefore, using design tools in education and research is becoming more and more important. Recently, numerical design optimization in fluid mechanics, which uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD), has numerous applications in the engineering field, because of the rapid development of high-performance computing resources. However, it is difficult to find design optimization software and contents for educational purposes in aerospace engineering. In the present study, we have developed an aerodynamic design framework specifically for an airfoil, based on the EDucation-research Integration through Simulation On the Net (EDISON) portal. The airfoil design framework is composed of three subparts: a geometry kernel, CFD flow analysis, and an optimization algorithm. Through a seamless interface among the subparts, an iterative design process is conducted. In addition, the CFD flow analysis and the design framework are provided through a web-based portal system, while the computation is taken care of by a supercomputing facility. In addition to the software development, educational contents are developed for lectures associated with design optimization in aerospace and mechanical engineering education programs. The software and content developed in this study is expected to be used as a tool for e-learning material, for education and research in universities.

Análisis y evaluación del uso de la supercomputación en la mejora del desempeño formativo = Analysis and evaluation of supercomputing for training performance improvement

“…-Se han descrito desarrollos de nuevos diseños aerodinámicos a través de la simulación basada en tres apartados: el núcleo de geometría, el análisis de flujo de dinámica de fluidos computacional (CFD) y el algoritmo de optimización (Kwon et al, 2013). En estos trabajos, los cálculos se realizan sobre la aerodinámica de los estabilizadores verticales, así como de su contribución a la estabilidad direccional y al control de aeronaves, especialmente durante la fase preliminar de diseño (Nicolosi et al, 2013).…”

Use of Generative Design and Shape Optimization Tools for Advanced Engineering Design

“…At Howard University, the Mechanical Engineering curriculum offers Introduction to CAD (Computer Aided Design) as a first-year course, along with Computer Aided Engineering, a third-year course that teaches advanced CAD with the inclusion of generative design and topology optimization -widely considered as advanced design techniques. These courses teach students how to use commercially available Computer Aided Engineering software for multidisciplinary system design and optimization [1][2][3][4][5]. With such acquired skills, students conceptualize complex engineering design problems in virtual spaces and solve those by using CAE software (i.e., Autodesk Fusion 360).…”