Large scale optimization of transonic axial compressor rotor blades

[First Paragraphs] In the present work the Multipoint Approximation Method (MAM) by Toropov et al. (1993) has been applied to the shape optimization of an existing transonic compressor rotor (NASA rotor 37) as a benchmark case. Simulations were performed using the Rolls-Royce plc. PADRAM-HYDRA system (Shahpar and Lapworth 2003, Lapworth and Shahpar 2004) that includes the parameterization of the blade shape, meshing, CFD analysis, postprocessing, and objective/constraints evaluation. The parameterization approach adopted in this system is very flexible but can result in a large scale optimization problem. For this pilot study, a relatively coarse mesh has been used including around 470,000 nodes. The parameterization was done using 5 engineering blade parameters like axial movement of sections along the engine axis in mm (XCEN), circumferential movements of sections in degrees (DELT), solid body rotation of sections in degrees (SKEW), and leading/trailing edge recambering (LEM0/TEMO) in degrees. The design variables were specified using 6 control points at 0 % (hub), 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% (tip) along the span. Thus the total number of independent design variables N was 30. B-spline interpolation was used through the control points to generate smooth design perturbations in the radial direction

Automation grade increasing of mine drainage equipment when powered pumps from the soft starter

У статті розглядається доцільність застосування пристроїв плавного пуску асинхронних електродвигунів для систем шахтного водовідливу. Запропоновано алгоритм запуску нерегульованого насоса з використанням аналогового сигналу по струму статора для формування сигналу компенсації швидкості регульованого електродвигуна. Здійснено моделювання та зроблений порівняльний аналіз системи шахтного водовідливу зі стандартним алгоритмом пуску і при використанні сигналу компенсації по струму з подальшою обробкою сигналу в перетворювачі частоти в SoftPLC.In artich feasibility of soft starters for asynchronous motors mine drainage systems is considered. Starting algorithm for unregulated pump using an analog signal by the stator current signal, generated for speed compensation of regulated motor, is proposed. Implemented modeling and comparative analysis of mine drainage systems with a standard starting algorithm and with using of compensation signal by current with the subsequent processing of the signal in the frequency converter with the SoftPLC.В статье рассматривается целесообразность применения устройств плавного пуска асинхронных электродвигателей для систем шахтного водоотлива. Предложен алгоритм запуска нерегулируемого насоса с использованием аналогового сигнала по току статора для формирования сигнала компенсации скорости регулируемого электродвигателя. Осуществлено моделирование, произведен сравнительный анализ системы шахтного водоотлива со стандартным алгоритмом пуска и при использовании сигнала компенсации по току с последующей обработкой сигнала в преобразователе частоты в SoftPLC

Applications of topology optimisation in structural engineering: high-rise buildings & steel components

This study introduces applications of structural topology optimization to buildings and civil engineering structures. Topology optimization problems utilize the firmest mathematical basis, to account for improved weight-to-stiffness ratio and perceived aesthetic appeal of specific structural forms, enabling the solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) technique. Structural topology optimization is a technique for finding the optimum number, location and shape of “openings” within a given continuum subject to a series of loads and boundary conditions. Aerospace and automotive engineers routinely employ topology optimization and have reported significant structural performance gains as a result. Recently, designers of buildings and structures have also started investigating the use of topology optimization, for the design of efficient and aesthetically pleasing developments. This paper examines two examples of where topology optimization may be a useful design tool in civil/structural engineering in order to overcome the frontiers between civil engineers and engineers from other disciplines. The first example presents the optimized structural design of a geometrically complex high-rise structure and the optimal design of its architectural building shape. The second one focuses on the optimization and design of a perforated steel I-section beam, since such structural members are widely used nowadays in the vast majority of steel buildings and structures while they provide numerous advances. Conclusions are drawn regarding the potential benefits to the more widespread implementation of topology optimization within the civil/structural engineering industr

Sub-space approximations for MDO problems with disparate disciplinary variable dependence

The research leading to these results have been funded by the European Union Seventh Framework Programme FP7-PEOPLE-2012-ITN under grant agreement 316394, Aerospace Multidisciplinarity Enabling DEsign Optimization (AMEDEO) Marie Curie Initial Training Network

Miniature optical delay lines and buffers

Creation of miniature optical delay lines and buffers is one of the greatest challenges of the modern photonics which can revolutionize optical communications and computing. Several remarkable designs of slow light optical delay lines employing coupled ring resonators and photonic crystal waveguides has been suggested and experimentally demonstrated. However, the insertion loss of these devices is too large for their practical applications. Alternatively, the recently developed photonic fabrication platform, Surface Nanoscale Axial Photonics (SNAP) allows us to fabricate record small delay lines with unprecedentedly small dispersion and low loss. In this report, we review the recent progress in fabrication and design of miniature slow light devices and buffers, in particular, those based on the SNAP technology