Description
Aeroelastic phenomena and challenges
In flow simulation, the structure around which the flow passes is often assumed to be rigid, which is only a simplified representation of the physics. Flow forces can cause deformations and movements of the structure, which in turn influence the flow field. These interactions can lead to aeroelastic instabilities that damage or destroy components. In turbomachinery in particular, unsteady flow fields cause high alternating loads that trigger fatigue failure or self-excited vibrations such as flutter. In wind turbines, the pitch and generator control influences the aeroelastic behavior and increases the coupling between structural and flow effects.
Acoustic calculation and methods
Comprehensive simulation methods are available at the TFD to analyze aeroelastic instabilities and fluid-structure interaction. Time domain methods analyze dynamic interactions in detail, while linear and non-linear methods in the frequency domain investigate specific phenomena. A wide selection of software packages makes it possible to choose the best simulation strategy depending on the application area in order to develop reliable solutions for complex challenges in turbomachinery and wind turbines.
Areas of application and software packages
Our CAA simulations are used in a wide range of areas such as turbomachinery and wind turbines. We use specialized software for precise results, including
-
ANSYS CFX
ANSYS CFX is a commercial flow solver for steady and unsteady flows (finite volume method).
-
ANSYS Classic
ANSYS Classic is a commercial finite element solver for structural mechanics.
-
linearTRACE
linearTRACE (Turbomachinery Research Aerodynamic Computational Environment, DLR) is a time-linearized finite volume method that solves turbomachinery-specific aeroelastic problems in the frequency domain.
-
SIMPACK
SIMPACK is a commercial multi-body system simulation software that can be coupled with the aerodynamics code AeroDyn, among others, to simulate wind turbines. AeroDyn is based on the blade element momentum (BEM) theory and was developed at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
-
FAST
FAST (Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence) is an integrated aeroelasticity software for wind turbines developed at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). It couples the BEM code AeroDyn (see above) with a modal and multi-body system formulation for the structural dynamics of the turbine. FAST enables simulations in the time domain as well as the linearization of a non-linear aeroelastic wind turbine model.
Contact person
30823 Garbsen
