Shape optimization of active and passive drag-reducing devices on a D-shaped bluff body

TL;DR

This study uses genetic algorithms and CFD to optimize active and passive devices on a D-shaped bluff body, achieving significant drag reduction and power savings validated by URANS simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a coupled optimization approach for active and passive drag-reducing devices on bluff bodies, demonstrating substantial efficiency improvements.

Findings

70% power savings with optimized Coanda actuator

40% drag reduction with optimized trailing-edge flap

Validation against URANS simulations confirms results

Abstract

Shape optimization of an active and a passive drag-reducing device on a two-dimensional D-shaped bluff body is performed. The two devices are: Coanda actuator, and randomly-shaped trailing-edge flap. The optimization sequence is performed by coupling the genetic algorithm software DAKOTA to the mesh generator Pointwise and to the CFD solver OpenFOAM. For the the active device the cost functional is the power ratio, whereas for the passive device it is the drag coefficient. The optimization leads to total power savings of $\approx 70\%$ for the optimal Coanda actuator, and a 40\% drag reduction for the optimal flap. This reduction is mainly achieved through streamlining the base flow and suppressing the vortex shedding. The addition of either an active or a passive device creates two additional smaller recirculation regions in the base cavity that shifts the larger recirculation region away from the body and increases the base pressure. The results are validated against more refined URANS simulations for selected cases.