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Collaborating Authors

 Ferrer, Esteban


An Empirical Wall-Pressure Spectrum Model for Aeroacoustic Predictions Based on Symbolic Regression

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

Fast-turn around methods to predict airfoil trailing-edge noise are crucial for incorporating noise limitations into design optimization loops of several applications. Among these aeroacoustic predictive models, Amiet's theory offers the best balance between accuracy and simplicity. The accuracy of the model relies heavily on precise wall-pressure spectrum predictions, which are often based on single-equation formulations with adjustable parameters. These parameters are calibrated for particular airfoils and flow conditions and consequently tend to fail when applied outside their calibration range. This paper introduces a new wall-pressure spectrum empirical model designed to enhance the robustness and accuracy of current state-of-the-art predictions while widening the range of applicability of the model to different airfoils and flow conditions. The model is developed using AI-based symbolic regression via a genetic-algorithm-based approach, and applied to a dataset of wall-pressure fluctuations measured on NACA 0008 and NACA 63018 airfoils at multiple angles of attack and inflow velocities, covering turbulent boundary layers with both adverse and favorable pressure gradients. Validation against experimental data (outside the training dataset) demonstrates the robustness of the model compared to well-accepted semi-empirical models. Finally, the model is integrated with Amiet's theory to predict the aeroacoustic noise of a full-scale wind turbine, showing good agreement with experimental measurements.


Deep Reinforcement Learning for Multi-Objective Optimization: Enhancing Wind Turbine Energy Generation while Mitigating Noise Emissions

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

We develop a torque-pitch control framework using deep reinforcement learning for wind turbines to optimize the generation of wind turbine energy while minimizing operational noise. We employ a double deep Q-learning, coupled to a blade element momentum solver, to enable precise control over wind turbine parameters. In addition to the blade element momentum, we use the wind turbine acoustic model of Brooks Pope and Marcolini. Through training with simple winds, the agent learns optimal control policies that allow efficient control for complex turbulent winds. Our experiments demonstrate that the reinforcement learning is able to find optima at the Pareto front, when maximizing energy while minimizing noise. In addition, the adaptability of the reinforcement learning agent to changing turbulent wind conditions, underscores its efficacy for real-world applications. We validate the methodology using a SWT2.3-93 wind turbine with a rated power of 2.3 MW. We compare the reinforcement learning control to classic controls to show that they are comparable when not taking into account noise emissions. When including a maximum limit of 45 dB to the noise produced (100 meters downwind of the turbine), the extracted yearly energy decreases by 22%. The methodology is flexible and allows for easy tuning of the objectives and constraints through the reward definitions, resulting in a flexible multi-objective optimization framework for wind turbine control. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of RL-based control strategies to improve wind turbine efficiency while mitigating noise pollution, thus advancing sustainable energy generation technologies


An unsupervised machine-learning-based shock sensor for high-order supersonic flow solvers

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

We present a novel unsupervised machine-learning sock sensor based on Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs). The proposed GMM sensor demonstrates remarkable accuracy in detecting shocks and is robust across diverse test cases with significantly less parameter tuning than other options. We compare the GMM-based sensor with state-of-the-art alternatives. All methods are integrated into a high-order compressible discontinuous Galerkin solver, where two stabilization approaches are coupled to the sensor to provide examples of possible applications. The Sedov blast and double Mach reflection cases demonstrate that our proposed sensor can enhance hybrid sub-cell flux-differencing formulations by providing accurate information of the nodes that require low-order blending. Besides, supersonic test cases including high Reynolds numbers showcase the sensor performance when used to introduce entropy-stable artificial viscosity to capture shocks, demonstrating the same effectiveness as fine-tuned state-of-the-art sensors. The adaptive nature and ability to function without extensive training datasets make this GMM-based sensor suitable for complex geometries and varied flow configurations. Our study reveals the potential of unsupervised machine-learning methods, exemplified by this GMM sensor, to improve the robustness and efficiency of advanced CFD codes.


A reinforcement learning strategy for p-adaptation in high order solvers

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

Reinforcement learning (RL) has emerged as a promising approach to automating decision processes. This paper explores the application of RL techniques to optimise the polynomial order in the computational mesh when using high-order solvers. Mesh adaptation plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency of numerical simulations by improving accuracy while reducing the cost. Here, actor-critic RL models based on Proximal Policy Optimization offer a data-driven approach for agents to learn optimal mesh modifications based on evolving conditions. The paper provides a strategy for p-adaptation in high-order solvers and includes insights into the main aspects of RL-based mesh adaptation, including the formulation of appropriate reward structures and the interaction between the RL agent and the simulation environment. We discuss the impact of RL-based mesh p-adaptation on computational efficiency and accuracy. We test the RL p-adaptation strategy on a 1D inviscid Burgers' equation to demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategy. The RL strategy reduces the computational cost and improves accuracy over uniform adaptation, while minimising human intervention.


Improving aircraft performance using machine learning: a review

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

Climate change and increasing resource scarcity are challenges that Europe needs to face in the coming decades. All this has a direct impact on air transport, which is struggling to maintain its performance and competitiveness while ensuring a development focused on sustainable mobility. Research and innovation are essential to maintain the capabilities of the aviation industry, driven by the rise of new markets and new competitors as a result of globalization. A new longterm vision for the aeronautics sector is essential to ensure its successful advancement. In this line, new requirements for the future aviation industry have been defined by the ACARE Flightpath 2050, a Group of Recognized Personalities in the aeronautic sector, including stakeholders from the aeronautics industry, air traffic management, airports, airlines, energy providers and the research community. Aeronautics and air transport comprises both: air vehicle and system technology.