WP1
DC1 developed and validated a continuous adjoint method for isothermal cavitating flows using the GPU-enabled PUMA solver. The model accurately predicts vapor formation in hydrofoils and hydraulic turbines. Sensitivity derivatives obtained with the adjoint method matched finite difference results, confirming correctness. Optimization studies successfully maximized lift and minimized cavitation.
DC2 extended PUMA framework to simulate two-phase cavitating flows by implementing a volume fraction equation and three cavitation models, calibrated with experimental data. A GPU-parallelized erosion estimation algorithm was also developed. The solver captures complex cavitation phenomena like sigma break curves and rope cavitation, showing potential for design-phase predictions.
DC3 initiated development of a coupled RANS-FEM FSI solver for cavitating composite propellers, with early LES results obtained. DC11 introduced an innovative incremental SVD-based model reduction for SPH simulations, validated on 2D/3D cases with minimal error and overhead, marking a first in SPH and enabling efficient adjoint-based optimization for Pelton turbines.
DC11 implemented an incremental SVD-based model reduction technique in the SPH-ALE solver ASPHODEL. The method was validated on 2D/3D test cases, showing negligible error and minimal overhead, representing a novel application within SPH frameworks.
WP2
DC5 developed a primal/adjoint diffuse-interface model within the FreSCo+ solver for optimizing free-surface flows around vessels, enabling shape optimization with potential for unsteady studies.
DC6 worked on ship hull optimization, integrating adjoint methods with machine learning (CVAE and neural networks) to predict propulsion effects and reduce computational costs; 42% of training data has been generated and preliminary tests conducted.
DC9 implemented a numerical model for water transport in PEM fuel cells, incorporating a dynamic contact angle model for better simulation of immiscible fluid behavior, with optimization work planned next.
DC12 focused on boiling bubble detachment; after a literature review, work is underway to validate a custom OpenFOAM solver against experiments.
DC13 is optimizing electrolyser designs, validating the VOF method for hydrogen bubble dynamics and analyzing forces influencing detachment; conceptual designs for improved channel geometries have been developed.
WP3
DC8 has developed and validated a compressible adjoint solver for cavitating flows based on real-fluid equations of state, achieving stable numerical convergence on simplified injector geometries. The solver extends OpenFOAM’s capabilities, representing a significant advancement as it enables optimization workflows for multiphase compressible flows at all Mach numbers, a first in the literature.
DC10 successfully derived and implemented adjoint equations for multiphase flows with heat transfer and phase change, solving shape optimization problems for EV battery thermal management systems (BTMS). This work extends current methods by including conjugate heat transfer (CHT) and phase change in multiphase adjoint optimization—an innovative contribution not previously available in literature.
DC14 focused on simulating dual-fuel e-fuel injection. He developed a multicomponent solver that treats gaseous and liquid phases distinctly, includes compressibility and velocity equilibrium, and incorporates real equations of state. The solver has been validated against experimental data, achieving the first major project milestone: incorporation of dual e-fuel mixtures into nozzle design.
DC4 advanced the prediction of physical properties for gaseous-liquid e-fuel mixtures. His work includes developing machine learning workflows for property modeling, creating software interfaces (MATLAB-ASPEN PLUS-EXCEL), and preparing optimized property tables for CFD simulations.
DC7 investigated bubble dynamics critical to electrolyser performance. He conducted modeling work on ultrasound-induced bubble detachment, using OpenFOAM and FORESTFV, and simulated interactions between bubbles under acoustic forces.
