Topology optimization of fluid flow trajectories via free software

• Grant number: 21/11792-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2021
• End date: October 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Renato Picelli Sanches
• Grantee: Gabriel Akira Sato
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/05797-8 - Addressing design challenges of offshore structures via Multiphysics topology optimization, AP.JP

Abstract

The Tesla Valve is a type of fluidic diode that passively inhibits the flow of fluid from one environment to another through its fixed geometry. In other words, it does not have any moving component that inhibits the flow but still allows it in some cases that the opposite direction occurs. There is a specific type of fluidic diode with a function similar to the tesla valve used to minimize leakage in turbines and compressors called labyrinth seals, which acts, for example, in methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) compressors. Therefore, the optimization of such devices can emissions of these gases. Furthermore, this case would fit into a specific large class of fluid flow problems of the 2D swirl type in which they present an axisymmetric flow with (or without) a rotational flow around the axisymmetric axis. The optimum design of the flow with viscous fluids is an extremely important topic within modern engineering. The implementation of algorithms to solve the equations that govern fluids, such as the incompressible Navier-Stokes flow including or not rotation, in addition to the optimization modules themselves, is very challenging and computationally expensive. These efforts are minimized by using specialized open-source software. This scientific initiation project will develop a computational script based on the open-source library FEniCS and the software available at www.github.com/renatopicelli/tobs with the implementation of the TOBS optimization approach (Topology Optimization of Binary Structures). The TOBS method offers particular advantages in fluid flow optimization by employing binary design variables {0,1} to avoid grayscale and to obtain clearer boundaries between solid and liquid regions. The developed scripts will be used to simulate and design Tesla valves. (AU)