Optimization of Expanding Turning Vanes by Bezier Curve Parameterization

Abstract

The development of a new process for optimizing wind tunnel turning vanes for use in expanding corners is described. This process uses MATLAB tools to operate the infinite airfoil cascade solver MISES in order to take advantage of the powerful optimization tools already present in MATLAB. Airfoils are defined using four Bezier curves of fifth order to limit the number of design variables and take advantage of simple smoothness constraints. A parameter sweep is performed to verify the tool's operation and gain insight into the impacts of airfoil thickness, airfoil camber, cascade solidity, and expansion ratio before several optimization cases using various MATLAB optimization functions were used to show the ability of the optimizer to reduce total pressure loss and flow separation in turning vane cascades. Optimizer outputs were shown to reduce total pressure losses by up to 18% and separation magnitude by up to 53% over initial designs. Comparison with STAR-CCM+ models verified applicability of MISES cases to more accurate wind tunnel flows.