Shape optimization for viscous flows by reduced basis methods and free-form deformation

In this paper, we further develop an approach previously introduced in Lassila and Rozza, 2010, for shape optimization that combines a suitable low-dimensional parametrization of the geometry (yielding a geometrical reduction) with reduced basis methods (yielding a reduction of computational complexity). More precisely, free-form deformation techniques are considered for the geometry description and its parametrization, whereas reduced basis methods are used upon a FE discretization to solve systems of parametrized partial differential equations. This allows an efficient flow field computation and cost functional evaluation during the iterative optimization procedure, resulting in effective computational savings with respect to usual shape optimization strategies. This approach is very general and can be applied to a broad variety of problems. In this paper, we apply it to find the optimal shape of aorto-coronaric bypass anastomoses based on vorticity minimization in the down-field region. Blood flows in the coronary arteries are modeled using Stokes equations; afterwards, results have been verified in feedback using Navier-Stokes equations. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.