AI-Driven Design Optimization of Engineering Systems: A Case Study on Turboshaft Engines

Abstract

In a typical engineering design, there are often many design parameters to consider. Also, there are multiple competing requirements and objectives to meet. Manual approach of adjusting the parameters to achieve specific objectives is not optimal especially as the design becomes complex.   

In the quest for optimizing complex engineering systems, the exploration of the design space becomes imperative, especially when dealing with multi-objective systems characterized by an array of independent variables. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the design space mapping of complex engineering systems, utilizing a turboshaft engine as a case study. The initial phase of our methodology employs a physics-based model to generate synthetic dataset, reflecting the intricate interplay of various system parameters underpinning the engine's operation. This synthesized data serves as a foundation for the subsequent development of a Machine Learning or Deep Learning based surrogate model. The surrogate AI model, will be crafted to encapsulate multiple inputs and outputs inherent in the turboshaft engine's functioning, thereby facilitating an efficient and accurate exploration of the design space.

Through this investigation, we will evaluate the efficacy of combining physics-based models with AI-driven techniques in mapping the design space of multi-objective systems. The core of our investigation revolves around the utilization of the AI surrogate model for achieving multi-objective optimization. This optimization process is not only focused on enhancing specific performance metrics but is also geared towards identifying a comprehensive family of feasible design solutions. Such an approach enables the delineation of the entire design space, offering invaluable insights into the trade-offs and synergies among different design objectives. Through this methodology, our goal is to uncover a wide spectrum of viable design alternatives, thereby providing a robust framework for decision-making in the engineering design process.