As of now TU Delft is offering a PhD position on developing a computational model for fluid-structure interactions of inflatable wings.

Placement

The work will be conducted in the Wind Energy section (Department of Aerodynamics, Wind Energy, Flight Performance and Propulsion) of the Aerospace Engineering Faculty. The department is developing innovate technologies in order to reduce significantly our energy consumption and our dependence on fossil fuels. It has a vast expertise in aerodynamics research for wind energy systems, including innovative concepts such as airborne wind energy and large offshore wind turbines.

The chair of Wind Energy has a leading position for research in wind energy worldwide. It also leads the DUWIND research organization, which covers almost all aspects of modern wind turbine technology and is spread between 5 Faculties and 13 research groups. The scope of the activities is to facilitate the development of wind energy technology and the expansion of the use of wind power all over the world through research and education. Both technology development aspects as well as fundamental aspects of wind energy conversion are part of the research program. The PhD project will benefit from this wide in-house expertise.

Position description

Fluid-structure interactions are often critical when designing aerodynamical systems. The project aims to numerically model the mutual interactions between the aero- and structuraldynamics of a tethered inflatable wing, at given instants in its flight path. Such types of wings are employed in various airborne wind energy concepts which are based on traction power generation. Placing wind energy systems at high altitudes is attractive to harness wind flows that are steadier and faster than close to the ground. Beyond 150 metres height, however, conventional wind turbines cannot be used because of the excessive amount of structural materials that would be needed to withstand the high mechanical stresses induced by heavy rotors, when placed on tower-based foundations. Extensive research is ongoing at TU Delft to develop innovative windenergy systems using kites.

Kite power systems are at an early stage of development, and thus, several questions remain open regarding their operational conditions and optimal design. Because the inflatable wing is lightweight and flexible, the aero- and structural- dynamic processes are tightly coupled. Additionally, the shape of the wing is determined by the interaction between aerodynamic wing loading and pressure disrtibution in the tubes, on the one hand, and internal forces in the membrane fabric and bridle lines, on the other hand. This constitutes a challenging fluidstructure interaction problem, which in turn affects the flight dynamics of the wing. Due to its low inertia, the wing responds generally very sensitively to control commands, fluctuations of the apparent wind velocity, and other changes of geometry or boundary conditions. This PhD project aims at understanding these interactions using computational models. The proposed project is highly multi-disciplinary and covers knowledge of fluid dynamics, solid dynamics, and numerical analysis.

Position conditions

The candidate should have a MSc degree in an area relevant to the subject, e.g. numerical analysis, engineering (aerospace, mechanical or civil), or applied physics, with preferably a specialisation in numerical methods for fluids and/or deformable solids. A combination of good mathematical/analytical skills and proven experience with research in numerical modeling is required. Having only been a user of FEM or CFD codes is not sufficient.

For more information contact:

Dr. Axelle Viré
Delft University of Technology
Faculty of Aerospace Engineering
Kluyverweg 1
2629 HS Delft
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 15 278 1385
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV along with a letter of application to Dr. Axelle Viré