Robust Design and Stochastics – Key Methods, Case Studies and Challenges"

11 October 2013
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Robust Design and Stochastics – Key Methods, Case Studies and Challenges"
Alexander Karl, PhD
Rolls-Royce Corporation

Abstract:
Gas turbines are complex systems characterized by strong interactions between the parts of the gas turbine. For increased efficiency the clearances between rotating and static parts are reduced more and more. In addition, gas turbine components are sometimes operating above the melting temperature of the material. Equally, the performance of the gas turbine needs to be maintained in service for various operating conditions of the gas turbine. Hence, the simulation and analysis of complex engineered systems becomes more and more a necessity for the gas turbine industry. At the same time the methods for simulation and analysis of complex engineered systems have evolved, so that applications in the real world are now possible.

The presentation will highlight some of the key methods in the area of Robust Design and Stochastics. Selected case studies where these methods have been applied will be presented. Finally some of the challenges for a more widespread application of Robust Design and Stochastics methods, tools and processes will be discussed.

The highlighted methods will cover a wide area of the product life cycle from gathering of requirements to data collection and analysis of in-service events. Robust Design and Stochastics methods must be an integral part of any simulation and analysis strategy to allow a more realistic simulation of the real behavior of the design in service. Without considering the variation in the products and in-service the simulation and analysis will only provide a snapshot of the product behavior but never an adequate representation of the overall product behavior.

Several case studies will highlight important aspects of the application of Robust Design and Stochastics methods, tools and processes to real world challenges in the area of gas turbine design, simulation and analysis. The case studies will highlight how the application of these methods have increase the value creation compared to a more traditional deterministic design and analysis process.

The final part of the presentation will highlight some key challenges in the area of Robust Design and Stochastics. At the moment single discipline simulation and analysis are standard in the gas turbine industry. The simulation and analysis community is extending into the area of multidisciplinary simulation and analysis (horizontal integration) and also into the area of systems simulation and analysis (vertical integration). One of the key challenges is that this can only be achieved if the whole company or even different companies are working together as one team.

Bio:
Alexander holds a PhD and MSc in Aerospace technology from the University of Stuttgart in Germany. He has 15+ years of work experience with Rolls-Royce. During this period Alexander was working in several major sites and sectors (Dahlewitz, Derby and Indianapolis). Alexander’s background is thermo-mechanical analysis but for the last 12+ years Alexander is working actively in the area of multi-disciplinary optimization, Robust Design (Design for Six Sigma) and Systems Engineering. His main focus is the application of these tools, methods and processes to real engineering challenges. His current focus within Rolls-Royce is the global pervasive implementation of Robust Design within the company. Alexander is also an active member of NAFEMS and ERCOFTAC promoting a wider application of these methods, processes and tools.