Design optimization of a two-dimensional subsonic engine air intake

A novel geometry modeling technique is defined for the optimization of pressure recovery through a two dimensional subsonic diffuser based on that of a Formula One race car airbox. The airbox design procedure involves considering the expansion of the flow entering the airbox coupled with a bend through 90 deg. Both of these features are discussed separately in terms of parameterization approaches before the most suitable techniques are united in the final optimization study producing an airbox harboring strong local geometric control and with a set of design variables compact enough to retain optimizer efficiency. A global Krig response surface model is employed to support our optimization studies, comprising design of experiments and updates based upon the expected improvement to the objective function followed by a local exploration in a reduced area of the design space. We find that we can efficiently converge to an optimum airbox design. The geometry modeling technique discussed allows for potentially radical designs with high pressure recoveries