Abstract:
In this paper, an optimization procedure, based on an Isogeometric BEM solver for the potential
ow, is developed and used for the shape optimization of hydrofoils. The formulation of the
exterior potential-
ow problem reduces to a Boundary-Integral Equation (BIE) for the associated
velocity potential exploiting the null-pressure jump Kutta condition at the trailing edge. The
numerical solution of the BIE is performed by an Isogeometric Boundary-Element Method (BEM)
combining a generic B-splines parametric modeler for generating hydrofoil shapes, using a set of
eight parameters, the very same basis of the geometric representation for representing the velocity
potential and collocation at the Greville abscissas of the knot vector of the hydrofoil's B-splines
representation. Furthermore, the optimization environment is developed based on the geometric
parametric modeler for the hydrofoil, the Isogeometric BEM solver and an optimizer employing
a controlled elitist genetic algorithm. Multi-objective hydrofoil shape optimization examples are
demonstrated with respect to the criteria i) maximum lift coefficient and ii) minimum deviation
of the hydrofoil area from a reference area.