Adjoint-Based Topology and Shape Optimization for Car Development
Speaker: Carsten Othmer, Volkswagen AG, Corporate Research
Presentation
Abstract
The adjoint method has long been considered as the tool of choice for gradient-based optimization in computational fluid dynamics. It is the independence of the computational cost from the number of design variables that makes it particularly attractive for problems with large design spaces. While having evolved towards a standard tool within the development processes of the aeronautical industries, its uptake in the automotive industry still lags behind. The first systematic applications of adjoint methods in automotive CFD have interestingly not taken place in the classical shape design arena, but in a relatively young discipline of sensitivity-based optimization: fluid dynamic topology optimization. Specifically for ducted flow applications, like airducts for cabin ventilation or engine intake ports, it constitutes a very powerful tool and has matured over the last years to a level that allows its systematic usage for various automotive applications. To drive adjoint-based shape optimization to the same degree of maturity and robustness for car applications is the subject of ongoing research collaborations between academia and the car industry. Achievements and challenges encountered during these efforts are presented.
Biography
Carsten holds a Ph.D. in Space Physics from the Technical University Carolo-Wilhelmina in Braunschweig, Germany, and joined the Numerical Methods group of the Volkswagen Technical Development in 2002. He switched to Volkswagen Corporate Research in 2008 to establish adjoint-based topology and shape optimization methods for the Volkswagen Group and to form an interdepartmental team for the further development and the process integration of these methods. In this role, he is responsible for the development and implementation of CFD optimization methodologies in the Volkswagen Group and defines the research direction of Volkswagen in this field. Currently he is working as a Visiting Scholar at Stanford’s Aerospace Design Lab of Prof. Alonso.