High-fidelity global optimization of shape design by dimensionality reduction, metamodels and deterministic particle swarm

Advances in high-fidelity shape optimization for industrial problems are presented, based on geometric variability assessment and design-space dimensionality reduction by Karhunen-Loève expansion, metamodels and deterministic particle swarm optimization (PSO). Hull-form optimization is performed for resistance reduction of the high-speed Delft catamaran, advancing in calm water at a given speed, and free to sink and trim. Two feasible sets (A and B) are assessed, using different geometric constraints. Dimensionality reduction for 95% confidence is applied to high-dimensional free-form deformation. Metamodels are trained by design of experiments with URANS; multiple deterministic PSOs achieve a resistance reduction of 9.63% for A and 6.89% for B. Deterministic PSO is found to be effective and efficient, as shown by comparison with stochastic PSO. The optimum for A has the best overall performance over a wide range of speed. Compared with earlier optimization, the present studies provide an additional resistance reduction of 6.6% at 1/10 of the computational cost. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis.