Bayesian optimization for the spanwise oscillation of a gliding flat-plate

TL;DR

This paper applies Bayesian optimization to enhance the power efficiency of a spanwise oscillating flat-plate in gliding, identifying optimal oscillation parameters for maximum power factor.

Contribution

It introduces a Bayesian optimization framework with hybrid acquisition strategies to optimize oscillation parameters for improved power efficiency in gliding flat-plates.

Findings

Maximum power factor of 1.65 achieved.

Optimal reduced frequency exists above an oscillation amplitude of 0.40.

Higher power efficiency possible with larger oscillation amplitude.

Abstract

The kinematics of a gliding flat-plate with spanwise oscillation has been optimized to enhance the power efficiency by using Bayesian optimization method, in which the portfolio allocation framework consists of a Gaussian process probabilistic surrogate and a hybrid acquisition strategy. We tune three types of acquisition function in the optimization framework and assign three different balance parameters to each acquisition function. The design variables are set as the dimensionless oscillating amplitude and reduced frequency of the spanwise oscillation. The object function is to maximize the power factor to support a unit weight. The optimization results in a maximal power factor of 1.65 when the dimensionless oscillating amplitude and reduced frequency vary from 0 to 1. The features of the probabilistic response surface are also examined. There exists an optimal reduced frequency for the power efficiency at the oscillating amplitudes above 0.40. In addition, the higher power efficiency may be obtained by increasing the amplitude beyond 1.00.