Development of intelligent interpolation models based on limited and expensive CFD and FEA simulations for real-time applications

该研究项目的目标是开发先进且评估成本低廉的内插模型，以模拟昂贵的计算流体动力学(CFD)和有限元分析(FEA)解算器，该模型包含在由工业合作伙伴(LPTi-Life Forecast Technologies Inc.)内部开发的基于物理学的专利部件寿命预测工具XactLIFE系统中。LPTI利用XactLIFE系统为燃气轮机发动机部件提供基于预测的生命周期管理服务。作为向客户提供的新产品的一部分，LPTi的目标是为特定的发动机(带有预选的关键部件)定制XactLIFE系统。这将需要用插补模型替换XactLIFE系统中存在的CFD和FEA解算器，以实现实时模拟并避免需要 在定制的发动机专用XactLIFE系统中嵌入昂贵的CFD和FEA解算器。滑铁卢大学的研究小组将与工业合作伙伴的技术专家和工程师密切合作，利用计算智能技术开发拟议的内插模型。将用对应于有限运行条件集(定义围护结构)的模拟结果来训练内插模型，然后它们将被用于实时预测围护结构内任何运行条件的结果。这项研究项目将对XactLIFE系统的能力和应用范围产生重大影响，因为XactLIFE系统在发动机部件和机械结构的预测性维护方面的高效和成本效益应用于各个行业。 该项目的成功将使工业合作伙伴能够创造新的收入来源，并接触到新的客户。

The objective of this research project is to develop advanced and cheap-to-evaluate interpolation models that emulate the expensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) solvers incorporated in a patented physics-based component life prediction tool called XactLIFE system developed in-house by the industrial partner (LPTi- Life Prediction Technologies Inc.). LPTi provides prognostics based life cycle management services for gas turbine engine parts utilizing the XactLIFE system. Going forward as part of a new product offering to their clients, LPTi aims to custom build the XactLIFE system for specific engines (with preselected critical parts). This would need the substitution of the CFD and FEA solvers present in the XactLIFE system with interpolation models to achieve real-time simulation and to avoid the need for embedding expensive CFD and FEA solvers in the customized engine specific XactLIFE systems. The proposed interpolation models will be developed utilizing computational intelligence techniques by the research team from the University of Waterloo in close collaboration with the technical experts and engineers from the industrial partner. The interpolation models will be trained with simulation results corresponding to a limited set of operating conditions (defining an envelop) and then they will be used to predict the results for any operating condition within the envelop in real-time. This research project will significantly impact the capability and range of application for the XactLIFE system in terms of its efficient and cost-effective applications to various industries for predictive maintenance of engine components and mechanical structures. The success of this project will enable the industrial partner to create new source of revenue generation and reach out to new clientele.