This paper on "Numerical Optimization of an Axial Hydraulic Turbine" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Summary

An optimization method determines the optimum shape for elements in internal or external flow, with special regard to hydraulic turbine components. The shape of the components is parametrized. The optimization minimizes or maximizes a certain function, e.g. efficiency, losses or forces, by varying the shape's parameters. The function values are calculated by numerical flow analysis using a finite-element code. Examples to examine the validity are described as well as the application of the optimization to the design of an axial hydraulic turbine. The method converges to good results for the studied models.