Automate Design of Experiment Using FluidNexus for CFD

Abstract

Automation is generally carried out in order to reduce the turnaround time of project. Any optimization techniques such as Design of Experiment (DOE) need multiple numbers of simulations to be executed and requires huge amount of pre-processing time along the generation of simulation model. DOE is the systematic approach to engineering problem solving to ensure the valid output and is carried out with minimum time and simulation experiment. DOE determine the relation between factors affecting a process and the output of that process. In this present work, study of various duct models are carried out to find out the various design parameter affecting response parameter during optimization process. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) provides qualitative and quantitative prediction of the fluid flow. CFD analysis is done to understand the physical phenomenon of the flow domain and investigate the variable affecting response parameter which is related to flow. For limited number of objectives generally trial and error process is adopted. Trial and error process tend to increase the complexity in problem and also time consuming. Analyst can use statistical DOE technique to reduce number of simulation experiments to minimize the project turnaround time. So objective is to automate CFD workflow for the optimization with the use of FluidNexus. FluidNexus generates the simulation model for each run by using single abstract model and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) geometry. Post processing is done using AcuReport Tool and by analyzing these reports the optimum geometry is decided. This whole process is integrated to automate the optimization. vii 2 level DOE is used in optimization of pipe while 3 level DOE is used in optimization of air inlet duct. For straight pipe, for selected design of experiment model having length 1000 mm and diameter 330 mm (i.e. Model 3) results shows 0.1350 Pa pressure drop, which lowest among the various run in design of experiment. Similarly for air inlet duct, from selected design of experiment model having elliptical cross section (a=b), curvature of radius 125 mm and no taper cross section along the bend with maximum diameter of pipe 47 mm gives pressure drop is 2047.16 Pa which is optimal design among proposed design of experiment.