Aerodynamic Shape Optimization using Vortex Particle Simulations

Optimization consists on finding the best possible solution to a problem, which usually means finding the minima of functions in a feasible region. The need of solving optimization problems is present in many diverse areas of science and engineering. Shape optimization is critical for the design of wind turbines and slender structures. By using highly efficient Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based on the Vortex Particle Method (VPM), a wind simulation can be generated and structural behavior obtained. Automatization of the optimization process is created by parametrization of the CFD model and defining optimization objectives, thus generating an optimization model. Simulation-based optimization is performed by running simulations nested in the optimization algorithms.