Algorithmic differentiation of the Open CASCADE Technology CAD kernel and its coupling with an adjoint CFD solver

Mladen Banović, Orest Mykhaskiv, Salvatore Auriemma, Andrea Walther, Herve Legrand, Jens-Dominik Müller
2018 Optimization Methods and Software  
Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools are extensively used to design industrial components, however contrary to e.g. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solvers, shape sensitivities for gradient-based optimisation of CAD-parametrised geometries have only been available with inaccurate and non-robust finite differences. Here Algorithmic Differentiation (AD) is applied to the open-source CAD kernel Open CASCADE Technology using the AD software tool ADOL-C (Automatic Differentiation by OverLoading in
more » ... +). The differentiated CAD kernel is coupled with a discrete adjoint CFD solver, thus providing the first example of a complete differentiated design chain built from generic, multi-purpose tools. The design chain is demonstrated on the gradient-based optimisation of a squared U-bend turbo-machinery cooling duct to minimise the total pressure loss.
doi:10.1080/10556788.2018.1431235 fatcat:pbnebg2djvebbdzzkyxjvo3aam