A multi-disciplinary design optimization framework with integrated structural transformation for highly loaded radial turbines

The use of CFD-based optimizations is becoming a standard for turbomachinery design. Although the use of such optimizations can lead to great improvements of the machine performances, there are still several shortcomings in the common design procedure of turbomachines. In fact, this entails the optimization of the component shape, and only a...

CFD Simulation of a Floating Wind Turbine with OpenFOAM: an FSI approach based on the actuator line and relaxation zone methods

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) have the potential to harness wind resources in deepwater, which is so far prohibitive for conventional approaches. This, however, comes at a cost: the platform’s extra degrees of freedom (DoFs) introduce complex aerodynamic and hydrodynamic behaviours. Therefore, FOWTs must be accurately modeled to reduce...

An FSI model for fixed-wing airborne wind energy systems

Accurate yet computationally efficient modelling of fixed-wing airborne wind energy systems is key in the preliminary design phase. For the simulation framework of large scale fixed-wing airborne wind energy systems an FSI model is developed that can evaluate flight states in the order of seconds and is able to account for viscosity and multi...

Strongly Coupled Partitioned Fluid Structure Interaction: Robustness Analysis of Interface Quasi Newton Temporal Coupling Framework

Commercial FSI solvers employ partitioned FSI, wherein CFD and CSM solvers are used sequentially to resolve the coupling of interface displacement and stress/force. For strongly coupled problems, multiple sub-iterations of both the solvers are required for a stable and accurate solution. IQN-ILS framework requires fewer sub-iterations for...

Validation & Verification of Hydro-Elastic Analyses for Marine Propellers

A fairly recent development in the maritime industry is the rising interest in composites, as they have great potential to outperform conventional metallics. They offer good corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, a low magnetic signature, and a high strength to stiffness ratio. In case of a propeller, the latter may be utilized by adapting...

FSI Analysis and Optimization of 3D beam structures

Aiming to enhance the performance of the industrial design process, structural optimization techniques have been proposed as an alternative to traditional design and optimization techniques.<br/>They own the potential of achieving an optimal distribution of the material through the design domain, thus reducing waste loss and weight, and...

Towards the CSM-CFD modelling of membrane wings at high Reynolds numbers

The field of Airborne Wind Energy is concerned with harvesting high-altitude wind power; the corresponding group in Delft, in particular, is investigating the suitability of a kite for this purpose. Due to the high complexity that such a system ensues, it is of interest to have a fundamental understanding of the critical aero-elastic modes of...

fastFoam - An aero-servo-elastic wind turbine simulation method based on CFD

The current wind turbine design tools are based on aerodynamic simulations using blade element momentum (BEM) codes to calculate loads and power, see for instance the tools HAWC2, Bladed or FAST. This engineering method is computationally efficient, but theoretically valid only for steady two dimensional flow in non-yawed conditions. <br/><br/...

Structural Response of Bow Structures with Sonar Domes

Naval vessels are designed to remain operational in severe conditions, sea-state 6 or higher, and have to maintain a minimum forward speed in these conditions. These seakeeping conditions may result in severe impact loads on the bow of the vessel, called slamming. Sonar domes are often used at naval vessels to detect objects under water and are...

Numerical Study of Fluid Structure Interaction in Nuclear Reactor Applications

Flow-induced vibration (FIV) plays an important role in the nuclear industry. In nuclear power plants (NPP), the FIV may cause fatigue problems, stress corrosion cracking, possible failure modes and fretting wear. This in return can lead to nuclear safety issues and substantial stand-still costs due to unplanned outages. It is therefore...

Design of Small Scale Shockwave Generators for the ORCHID Setup

This report focuses on the design and analysis of various subcomponents of the supersonic nozzle test section of the ORCHID setup. The primary concern is a study dedicated to the model support system which is crucial to the success of a series of gas dynamic experiments for high fidelity software validation. Standard design rules and empirical...