The PhD thesis covers the development and application of topology and advanced shape optimization of multiphysics problems concerning acoustic-mechanical interactions and turbulent flow heat transfer systems. The correct modeling of acoustic-mechanical interaction carries an extreme importance in the design of small acoustic devices e.g. hearing aids and loudspeakers. Such devices are particularly sensitive to strong interaction between mechanical vibrations and acoustic pressure and their performances are strongly influenced by it. Topology optimization enables a promising approach to design multi-physics coupled problems, but faces largely unresolved challenges when the physical domains interact along interfaces e.g. acoustic-mechanical interaction problems. The necessary prior definition of the boundaries between different physics significantly limits the design freedom and forms one of the great challenges for density based topology optimization.
The goal of this PhD project was to bring the application of topology optimization for acoustic-mechanical interaction problems a significant step further by developing the most appropriate design parametrization scheme and to apply it to complex structures. To this end, development towards a robust and versatile optimization procedure is needed, possibly as a combination and refinement of existing techniques or the development of entirely new formulations. A state-of-the-art strategy for modelling and optimizing acoustic-structure interaction problems was developed which enables the topology optimization of a complex structure involving interior and exterior acoustic domains, e.g. a hearing aid prototype.
The examining committee agree that the thesis was very well written and clearly conveys its message and conclusions. The committee consider that the impact within the research area will be significant and will help to advance structural optimization with the fields of vibroacoustic problems and turbulent flow heat transfer systems. Sümers work has the potential to innovate the current state-of-the-art design methods of multiphysics problems concerning acoustic-mechanical interactions and turbulent flow heat tranfer systems.
Congratulations to Sümer on his achievement.