Project Title:

Optimum Duct Design Using An Efficient Three-Dimensional Viscous Computation

01.01-0333
Optimum Duct Design Using An Efficient Three-Dimensional Viscous Computation
Scientific Research Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 498
Glastonbury
CT
06033
Levy
Ralph
24853
49,856
LeRC

Abstract:

Proper duct design is a fundamental engineering problem which can have a major impact
upon component efficiency.  Current aerospace applications, which place a premium
on compact design and closely fit components, often exacerbate this problem.  Examples
are ducts associated with inlets and nozzles as well as transition ducts between
engine components.  At present technology is available to compute the three-dimensional
viscous flow in ducts when the duct flow conditions and geometry are specified. 
Technology also is available to optimize solutions to problems subject to specified
constraints.  An efficient, validated three-dimensional viscous flow analysis, PEPSIG,
is combined with a constrained optimization procedure to provide the aerospace design
and development community with a powerful new tool to aid in the design of aerodynamic
ducts.  The feasibility of the optimization technique is demonstrated by designing
an optimum duct for a realistic aerospace engineering problem.  A Phase II project
would fully automate the code and use it to design a series of "optimum ducts". 
Eventual development of this procedure would provide a powerful tool for aerospace
design and development.  It is believed that this procedure would provide a significant
improvement in aerodynamic efficiency for new and redesigned aerospace sytems.  Because
the procedure would be fully automated, it would also provide a savings in man hours
in the design process and shorten required design lead times.