Session: 26-02 AI-Powered Design and Optimization

Submission Number: 177452

Impact of Finite Element Analysis Practices on Sustainability 

Finite Element Analysis is integral to turbomachinery design like any other design, enabling detailed simulations across structural, thermal, and fluid domains to name a few. These simulations involve large complex models using appropriate simulation methods, solving them using the numerical methods and studying the results obtained for various output parameters. Often these simulations are solved in a high-performance computing resource, needing significant amount of data transfer across various computer network. In addition, these models and its results are stored for significant amount of time during the product development till it attains a matured design level. During the recent times, these files are being stored in the cloud enabling central repository which can be accessible to all the product development team members, may be spreading across the globe. These files are needed to be accessible at any point in time during the anticipated time span demanding the data storage to be kept alive which consumes significant amount of energy. The energy consumption during computation and data storage, its cost and environmental impact are often overlooked by the product development team. This paper outlines various aspects of simulation starting from model definition till the result parameters needed for the product development. Through case studies involving various turbomachinery components and analysis types, including steady-state, transient, modal, and creep, an attempt was made to quantify how mesh density influences simulation time, energy consumption, and result file sizes. The study proposes best practices for mesh optimization that balance simulation fidelity with sustainability goals. By linking engineering decisions to environmental impact, this work advocates for a structured approach in simulation practices, encouraging product development team to consider ecological responsibility while focusing on the technical performance. The objective of this paper to raise awareness and guide the development team for a greener and more ecological simulation approaches in the turbomachinery domain thereby contributing to higher energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Presenting Author: Sachin Joshi Baker Hughes Company

Presenting Author Biography: Mechanical Design Engineer.

Authors:

Manoharan Sambandam Baker Hughes Company
Sachin Joshi Baker Hughes Company
Prashant Malavade Baker Hughes Company