Typical Challenges
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One of the biggest barriers to using optimization with 3D simulation tools has been that typically, a large number of simulations is required — making it time prohibitive. Design of Experiments (DoE) is often thought of as being the same as optimization. DoE is a useful technique, but is simply a starting point in determining the initial set of design parameters to test. The real process and value in optimization/characterization lies in deciding what to do next. Many optimization/characterization projects assume that the design parameters are independent, and seek to find an optimal value for each parameter independent of the others. However, there are interactions between the key design parameters in almost every design. Typical methods fail to provide an understanding of these relationships, and therefore fail to guide engineers to the overall best solution. In addition, with traditional fluid simulation tools, it is very difficult to perform multi-disciplinary design studies across aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and thermal management because the simulation tools and input meshes must be fine-tuned for each type of analysis, and cannot be combined.
The ACT Solution
ACT has developed significant expertise in, and proprietary methods for, performing design characterization and optimization using adaptive response surfaces. The major benefit of the approach is to enable design characterization and optimization to occur with significantly fewer simulation runs than traditional approaches. This makes the ACT's approach faster and cheaper. ACT’s expert team works with customers to carefully design optimization projects so true understanding of the design behavior is gained.