Looking at a gravity casting process, we will illustrate
optimization techniques, including geometrical changes, in
order to find the ideal configuration for the runner system
that satisfies objectives like minimizing defects in the
final part.

Optimization, especially, geometry optimization, is an
integral part of any design process that incorporates
simulation. Flow Science and Friendship Systems have
partnered to offer FLOW-3D, FLOW-3D Cast and FLOW-3D/MP
users a push-button solution within CAESES that eliminates
the manual process of optimization, removes the guess work
for the user of what values and parameters to test out, and
in the case of geometry optimization, allows users to
manipulate their CAD and geometry files within the CAESES
environment.

The built-in parametric CAD kernel is geared towards
watertight simulation-ready geometries that can easily be
varied, be it STL data, CAD models imported from other CAD
programs, or geometry defined in CAESES from the ground up.
Running FLOW-3D Cast from within CAESES for assessing the
geometry is a seamlessly implemented solution. Control files
are simply dragged and dropped into CAESES’s integration
interface – and once CAD and CFD are linked, formal
optimization is the next natural step. Every thinkable
optimization technique – from simple systematic variation
techniques via evolutionary strategies to the application of
sophisticated surrogate models – is made available through
CAESES. These algorithms can readily be applied to other
FLOW-3D Cast input variables in order to achieve single or
multiple objectives.