Aerodynamic optimization of through-flow design model of a high by-pass transonic aero-engine fan using genetic algorithm

This study deals with aerodynamic optimization of a high by-pass transonic aero-engine fan module in a through-flow inverse design model at cruise condition. To the authors’ best knowledge, although the literature contains through-flow optimization of the simplified cases of compressors and turbines, an optimization study targeting the more elaborate case of combined transonic fan and splitter through-flow model is not considered in the literature. Such a through-flow optimization of a transonic fan, combined with bypass and core streams separated by an aerodynamically shaped flow splitter, possesses significant challenges to any optimizer, due to highly non-linear nature of the problem and the high number of constraints, including the fulfillment of the targeted bypass ratio. It is the aim of this study to consider this previously untouched area in detail and therefore present a more sophisticated and accurate optimization environment for actual bypass fan systems. An in-house optimization code using genetic algorithm is coupled with a previously developed in-house through-flow solver which is using a streamline curvature technique and a set of in-house calibrated empirical models for incidence, deviation, loss and blockage. As the through-flow models are the backbone of turbomachinery design, and great majority of design decisions are taken in this phase, such a study is assessed to result in significant guidelines to the gas turbine community.