Aerodynamic Optimization of Car Shapes using the Continuous Adjoint Method and an RBF Morpher

17 Dec 2018

Paper from the book "Computational Methods in Applied Sciences"

Paper title

Aerodynamic Optimization of Car Shapes using the Continuous Adjoint Method and an RBF Morpher

Authors

E.M. Papoutsis-Kiachagias, S. Porziani, C. Groth, M.E. Biancolini, E. Costa and K.C. Giannakoglou

Publication date

July 2018

Intro

In the Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) context and applications, the paper showcases how the mesh morphing technique can be coupled with the adjoint solution of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver in order to perform, with a high level of automation, shape optimizations dealing with the aerodynamics of road vehicles. 

Abstract

This paper presents the application of the continuous adjoint method, programmed in OpenFOAM®, combined with an RBF-based morpher to the aerodynamic optimization of a generic car model. The continuous adjoint method produces accurate sensitivities by utilizing the full differentiation of the Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model, based on wall functions, while the RBF-based morpher provides a fast and versatile way to deform both the surface of the car and the interior mesh nodes. The integrated software is used to minimize the drag force exerted on the surface of the DrivAer car model.