Path-following primal-dual interior-point methods for shape optimization of stationary flow problems

We consider shape optimization of Stokes flow in channels where the objective is to design the lateral walls of the channel in such a way that a desired velocity profile is achieved. This amounts to the solution of a PDE constrained optimization problem with the state equation given by the Stokes system and the design variables being the control points of a Bézier curve representation of the lateral walls subject to bilateral constraints. Using a finite element discretization of the problem by Taylor–Hood elements, the shape optimization problem is solved numerically by a path-following primal-dual interior-point method applied to the parameter dependent nonlinear system representing the optimality conditions. The method is an all-at-once approach featuring an adaptive choice of the continuation parameter, inexact Newton solves by means of right-transforming iterations, and a monotonicity test for convergence monitoring. The performance of the adaptive continuation process is illustrated by several numerical examples.