Optimization of a butterfly valve disc using 3D topology and genetic algorithms.

Butterfly valves are a mechanical component used to regulate flow and pressure on a variety of tanks and pipeline systems. The design of this flow-control device needs to consider its structural performance as well as the flow of the fluid. In this sense, simulation and optimization tools play an important role in a butterfly valve successful development. This paper presents a global optimization of the disc of a butterfly valve by the combination of topology and shape optimization techniques. Topology optimization is employed during concept design stage to evaluate the best material distribution from a structural performance point of view. Then, based on the topology optimization results, a shape optimization, managed by Genetic Algorithms (GAs), is conducted considering structural and fluid dynamics at the same time. The results demonstrate the suitability of the proposed approach to obtain a light butterfly valve disc which satisfies the structural safety and the flow requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]