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The present work deals with the problem of shape optimization in aerodynamics using adjoint equations, and describes the development of a numerical method based on open-source software.
In the first part of the thesis, the adjoint RANS equations are considered and their mathematical derivation is described for a constrained optimization problem, with emphasis on incompressible turbulent flows. The frozen turbulence assumption is used. Every tool involved in the optimization loop is then considered in detail, focusing on both the CFD platform and the optimization program. After the validation of each single unit composing the workflow, the results obtained for the optimization of a NACA 0012 airfoil, with different objective functions and constraints, are presented as a first simplified test.
In a next step, the Drivaer body, a car model created and freely distributed by TUM (Technische Universitaet Muenchen), is considered. The sensitivity of the model to pressure drag is computed, and the geometry is then deformed on the basis of the sensitivity map. The pressure distribution show a noticeable improvement, with drag coefficient reduced by 1.25 points (4.26 %).