Reducing Pressure Drop in a Vane Array Using Adjoint Optimization (ABP)

This Application Best Practice (ABP) presents a streamlined workflow for reducing pressure drop in a 2‑D vane array using Ansys Fluent® fluid simulation software adjoint optimization, summarizing the baseline setup, mesh and solver configuration, adjoint formulation, and GBO‑driven design updates that reorient the 40 vanes under rigid‑rotation constraints to achieve an approximately 29% lower pressure drop compared to the initial geometry. 

Learning Outcomes:

Following completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the full workflow for performing adjoint‑based optimization in Ansys Fluent software, from baseline CFD setup through optimization and final solution assessment. 
• Set up and solve the baseline case, including geometry, meshing, turbulence modeling, boundary conditions, and pressure‑drop monitoring. 
• Configure and apply adjoint methods, including defining the observable, applying design constraints for rigid vane rotation, and preparing sensitivity‑based design updates. 
• Execute and evaluate Gradient‑Based Optimization (GBO), interpret convergence histories, and assess the optimized configuration achieving nearly a 29% pressure‑drop reduction. 

Prerequisites:

• Basic Ansys Fluent solver workflow (setting up, solving, and post-processing a solution starting with a mesh). 
• Familiarity with the adjoint solver (recommended but not essential).

Please note: These training materials were developed and tested in the 2025R2 release.