PhD Scholarship in Wind Turbine Aeroelasticity Using Vortex Based Methods, DTU, Denmark

DTU Wind Energy, Tecnical University of Denmark has an open PhD position concerning wind turbine aeroelasticity using vortex based methods for the aerodynamic part of the calculations.

Vortex based methods offer the possibility to pinpoint the driving mechanisms and gain a better understanding of many situations in both steady and unsteady rotor aerodynamics. This knowledge can be used to improve existing engineering design and analysis models, which are mostly based on Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory.

The PhD will focus on mathematical model development and implementation of a flexible vortex based code/method, which should be used to investigate fundamental issues and phenomena linked to steady and unsteady wind turbine aerodynamics. Specifically, operation in the computationally challenging unsteady conditions yaw, shear and turbulent inflow is the focus of the work. It is envisaged that the code should also be linked to the structural part of Risø’s state of the art aeroservoelastic simulation tool HAWC2, to be able to investigate effects related to aeroelastic coupling.

Since vortex based methods can offer insights into the driving mechanisms of many steady and unsteady rotor flows, the aim of the project will also be on deriving/improve engineering models (and specify the exact correct implementation) for use in BEM based codes.

The results based on vortex methods will be validated using both state of the art Experimental and CFD results. The overall aim of the project will be threefold. 1: Developing and implementing a flexible, unsteady vortex-based aerodynamic model (Faster than CFD, more accurate & less approximations than BEM) to investigate the unsteady effects of yaw, shear and turbulent inflow. 2: Coupling this model to the structural model in HAWC2. 3: Use the model results to improve the engineering BEM based model complex.

Qualifications
Applicants should hold a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering.

Strong skills and a genuine interest in fluid mechanics (especially vortex based modeling/theory) and computational methods are essential. Prior work experience in wind energy is a great advantage. Applicants should have excellent analytical skills and the ability to work independently towards research goals. Furthermore, fluency in communicating, reading and writing English is required.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. The place of work will be Risø Campus in Roskilde.

Application
We must have your online application by 23 January 2012. The application should contain the following documents;

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Conversion of grade averages to Danish grades (guidelines and excel spreadsheet for the conversion is located here)

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, inability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Further Scholarship Information and Application