PipeSynth : automated topological and parametric design of fluid networks

PipeSynth is a design automation approach that combines various optimization research and artificial intelligence methods for synthesizing fluid networks. Starting with only the port locations, PipeSynth generates and optimizes the most effective network for a given application. This ideal network is found by not only optimizing the sizes of each pipe and orientation of fittings in the network (parameters), but also optimizing the layouts of how they are all connected (topology). Using Uniform-Cost-Search for topology optimization, and a combination of non-gradient based parametric optimization methods,PipeSynth demonstrates how advances in automated design can enable engineers to manage much more complex fluid network problems. PipeSynth uses a unique representation of fluid networks that synthesizes and optimizes networks one pipe at a time, in three-dimensional space. PipeSynth has successfully solved several problems containing multiple interlaced networks concurrently with multiple inputs and outputs. PipeSynth shows the power of automated design and optimization in producing solutions more effectively and efficiently than traditional design approaches.