What is it about?

This work explores an alternative approach to computing sensitivity derivatives of functionals, with respect to a broader range of control parameters. It builds upon the complementary character of Riemann problems that describe the Euler flow and adjoint solutions. In a previous work, we have discussed a treatment of the adjoint boundary problem, which made use of such complementarity as a means to ensure well-posedness. Here, we show that the very same adjoint solution that satisfies those boundary conditions also conveys information on other types of sensitivities. In essence, then, that formulation of the boundary problem can extend the range of applications of the adjoint method to a host of new possibilities.

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Why is it important?

The study shows that a particular approach to the adjoint boundary conditions, which had been developed by us in a previous work, is fully compatible with the idea of computing the so-called non-geometric sensitivity derivatives. Moreover, it makes use of the very same adjoint solution that is used for geometry optimization.

Perspectives

This approach to the adjoint boundary conditions and to non-geometric derivatives may be used to optimize both geometry and operational conditions of a given aerodynamics design. Other prospective applications may be found in computing stability derivatives for flight dynamics, as well as some aeroelastic analysis.

Ph.D. Ernani V Volpe
University of Sao Paulo

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This page is a summary of: On the use of the continuous adjoint method to compute nongeometric sensitivities, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids, December 2017, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/fld.4473.
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