Design and Assessment of the Strength of Labyrinth Seals via Fluid-Structure Topology Optimization

• Grant number: 21/05930-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2022
• End date: May 20, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Design
• Principal Investigator: Renato Picelli Sanches
• Grantee: Lucas Oliveira Siqueira
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Politécnica (EP)
• Associated research grant: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I, AP.PCPE

Abstract

Topology optimization is a design tool that allows the construction of non-intuitive geometries,cost reduction due to material savings and a significant increase of strength in structures design. This tool has been applied extensively in academic and industrial environments, but limited to simplified structural loads. In this context, our knowledge of the design domain in importantmultiphysical problems, such as fluid-structure interaction (fluid-structure interaction - FSI),is scarce and prevents advances in the efficiency of pneumatic machine components and in reducing of its environmental impacts, e.g., CO2 leakage control. This is the case for labyrinth seals designs. This research is associated with a ioneering project at the Research Center for Gas Innovation (Research Center for Gas Innovation - RCGI), which develops labyrinthseals designs with topology optimization, creating the concept of intelligent labyrinth seals.These components are subject to high levels of stress and vibration, due to the interaction ofthe structure with rotating fluid flows. This project aims to create a formulation of topologyoptimization that allows the analysis of structures subject to FSI considering stiffness, natural frequency and stress, hitherto nonexistent combination. TOBS method (Topology Optimizationof Binary Structures), a gradient-based topology optimization method that uses binary designvariables {0,1} and formal mathematical programming, will be used. Such an approach isadvantageous when dealing with multiphysical interaction, with a clearly defined fluid-structure interface. This facilitates the coupling of the fluid and structure governing equations. The multiphysical problem will be solved using the finite element method and the optimization problem through the integer linear programming. Finally, the formulation created will be applied in real cases of labyrinth seals.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SIQUEIRA, LUCAS O.; CORTEZ, ROMULO L.; SIVAPURAM, RAGHAVENDRA; RANJBARZADEH, SHAHIN; GIORIA, RAFAEL DOS S.; SILVA, EMILIO C. N.; PICELLI, RENATO. Topology optimization for stationary fluid-structure interaction problems with turbulent flow via sequential integer linear programming and smooth explicit boundaries. ADVANCES IN ENGINEERING SOFTWARE, v. 190, p. 20-pg., 2024-02-07. (20/15230-5, 21/05930-2, 18/05797-8, 19/01685-3, 14/50279-4, 13/24434-0)

SIQUEIRA, L. O.; SILVA, K. E. S.; SILVA, E. C. N.; PICELLI, R.. Topology optimization of stationary fluid-structure interaction problems considering a natural frequency constraint for vortex-induced vibrations attenuation. FINITE ELEMENTS IN ANALYSIS AND DESIGN, v. 234, p. 21-pg., 2024-02-23. (22/10008-8, 19/26809-7, 20/15230-5, 21/05930-2, 18/05797-8, 19/01685-3, 14/50279-4)