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Description
The research topic involves research of a novel method of constructing the blades of tidal turbines. As opposed to the current traditional method of using a blade which is separate from the hub and connected using bolts or other methods, which leads to a very high bending moment at the root of the blade inducing large tensile fatigue loads, this project presents the concept of using a single structure for the entire tidal rotor. This will lead to favourable load paths through the rotor, reducing the material stress felt at the blade root and lessening the effect of tension.
Further, by reducing the moments felt at the blade root, the structure can be further optimized by efficient design in order to ensure that less material needs to be used, improving both the cost efficiency of a turbine and additionally improving its properties by lightening the blade. A significant portion of the research project will also involve examining the load behaviours which can be simulated and determining which of these is most applicable to a real world case, along with re-examining common design assumptions inherent in the construction of turbine blades. Through these methods, it may be possible to significantly improve aspects of the design, which can then be verified using CFD methods or other testing procedures.
Finally, the project may attempt to determine if the methods developed throughout can be applied to areas of design other than tidal turbines, such as larger scale wind turbines, or other separated dynamic structures which can have their properties improved by combining them into a single unified piece, such as aircraft wings or propeller hubs.
University of Edinburgh | LEAD_ORG |
Conchur O'Bradaigh | SUPER_PER |
Liam Foley | STUDENT_PER |
Subjects by relevance
- Structure (properties)
- Efficiency (properties)
- Separation methods
- Turbines
Extracted key phrases
- Tidal Blade Design
- Research topic
- Research project
- Turbine blade
- Blade root
- Novel method
- Current traditional method
- Large scale wind turbine
- Tidal turbine
- Cfd method
- Large tensile fatigue load
- Entire tidal rotor
- Common design assumption inherent
- Favourable load path
- Single structure
Related Pages
UK Project Locations
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