A Combined Probabilistic and Optimization Approach for Improved Chemical Mixing Systems Design

Matthew J. Opgenorth, William E. McDermott, Peter Laz, Corinne S. Lengsfeld

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University of Denver, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, 2390 S. York St. Suite 200, Denver CO.

DOI: 10.4236/eng.2011.36077                

Abstract

A design analysis of a mixing nozzle was performed using a combination of probabilistic and optimization techniques. A novel approach was utilized where probabilistic analysis was used to reduce the number of geometric constraints based on sensitivity factors. An optimization algorithm used only the most significant parameters to maximize mixing. A second probabilistic analysis was performed after optimization was com-plete in order to quantitatively predict the effects of manufacturing tolerances on mixing performance. This process for automated design is attractive over full parameter optimization techniques due to the computa-tional efficiency resulting from an intelligent reduction in evaluated variables.

Keywords

Probabilistic Design, Optimization Design, Tolerance Design, Computer-Aided Design

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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