Modeling and Simulation of Tethered Undersea Kites

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Wang ◽  
David J. Olinger
Keyword(s):  
Modeling And Simulation ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Hydrodynamic Forces ◽  
Ocean Current ◽  
Lagrange Equations ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Cross Current

In this work an emerging hydrokinetic energy technology, Tethered UnderSea Kites (TUSK), is studied. TUSK systems use an axial-flow turbine and generator mounted on a rigid, underwater winged kite that is tethered to a floating surface buoy to extract power from an ocean current. The tethered underwater kite is controlled to travel in cross-current motions at a high velocity which is at least four to five times larger than the ocean current velocity. This higher velocity significantly increases the potential power output compared to conventional fixed marine turbines. Modeling and simulation of the kite-tether dynamics in a TUSK system is studied by developing and solving governing equations of motion derived from Euler-Lagrange equations. Models for physical effects appropriate to TUSK systems are developed, including for turbine power and turbine drag, kite wing hydrodynamic forces, and the effect of turbine blade tip cavitation on turbine power output. A baseline simulation that includes these modeled effects and a simple kite control scheme is studied to estimate cross-current kite trajectories, turbine power output, kite hydrodynamic forces, kite pitch, roll and yaw dynamics, and tether tensions. Once the baseline simulation case has been fully explored, a parametric study is conducted that varies key design and flow parameters including ocean current speed, kite weight and wing area, turbine rotor area, tether length, and kite control system parameters.

A Computational Study of Tip Desensitization in Axial Flow Turbines: Part 2 — Turbine Rotor Simulations With Modified Tip Shapes

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Tallman
Keyword(s):  
Mass Flow ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Numerical Procedure ◽  
Suction Side ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Side Edge ◽  
Blade Tip

This study used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to investigate modified turbine blade tip shapes as a means of reducing the leakage flow and vortex. The subject of this study was the single-stage experimental turbine facility at Penn State University, with scaled three-dimensional geometry representative of a modern high-pressure stage. To validate the numerical procedure, the rotor flowfield was first computed with no modification to the tip, and the results compared with measurements of the flowfield. The flow was then predicted for a variety of different tip shapes: first with coarse grids for screening purposes and then with more refined grids for final verification of preferred tip geometries. Part 2 of this two-part paper focuses on flow-field predictions with modified blade tip geometries, and the corresponding comparisons with the baseline, flat-tip solutions presented in Part 1. Fifteen different tip shapes were computed using the ADPAC CFD Solver and moderately sized grids (720,000 nodes). These modified tip shapes incorporated different combinations of blade tip edge rounding and squealer cavities, both square and rounded, as means of reducing the leakage flow and vortex. Rounding of the suction side edge of the blade tip resulted in a considerable reduction in the size and strength of the leakage vortex, while rounding of the pressure side edge of the blade tip significantly increased the mass flow rate through the gap. Rounded squealer cavities acted to reduce the mass flow through the gap and proved advantageous over traditional, square squealer cavities. The presence of a square squealer cavity without edge rounding showed no aerodynamic advantage over a flat tip. Final computations of two preferred tip shapes were then carried out using more refined grids (7.2 million nodes). The final, refined grid computations reconfirmed a reduction in the leakage flow and vortex, as well as their associated losses.

Computational Simulation of the Tethered Undersea Kites for Power Generation

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirmahdi Ghasemi ◽  
David J. Olinger ◽  
Gretar Tryggvason
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Hydrodynamic Forces ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Ocean Current ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Immersed Boundary ◽  
Flow Equations

The dynamic motion of tethered undersea kites (TUSK) is studied using numerical simulations. TUSK systems consist of a rigid-winged kite moving in an ocean current. The kite is connected by tethers to a platform on the ocean surface or anchored to the seabed. Hydrodynamic forces generated by the kite are transmitted through the tethers to a generator on the platform to produce electricity. TUSK systems are being considered as an alternative to marine turbines since the kite can move in high speed motions to increase power production compared to conventional marine turbines. The two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are solved on a regular structured grid that comprises the ocean current flow, and an immersed boundary method is used for the rigid kite. A two-step projection method along with Open Multi-Processing (OpenMP) is employed to solve the flow equations. The reel-out and reel-in velocities of the two tethers are adjusted to control the kite angle of attack and the resultant hydrodynamic forces. A baseline simulation was studied where a high net power output was achieved during successive kite power and retraction phases. System power output, vorticity flow fields, tether tensions, and hydrodynamic coefficients for the kite are determined. The power output results are in good agreement with established theoretical results for a kite moving in two dimensions.

scholarly journals A Nonlinear Computational Model of Tethered Underwater Kites for Power Generation

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirmahdi Ghasemi ◽  
David J. Olinger ◽  
Gretar Tryggvason
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Current Velocity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Hydrodynamic Forces ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Ocean Current ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Immersed Boundary ◽  
Flow Equations

The dynamic motion of tethered undersea kites (TUSK) is studied using numerical simulations. TUSK systems consist of a rigid winged-shaped kite moving in an ocean current. The kite is connected by tethers to a platform on the ocean surface or anchored to the seabed. Hydrodynamic forces generated by the kite are transmitted through the tethers to a generator on the platform to produce electricity. TUSK systems are being considered as an alternative to marine turbines since the kite can move at a high-speed, thereby increasing power production compared to conventional marine turbines. The two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations are solved on a regular structured grid to resolve the ocean current flow, and a fictitious domain-immersed boundary method is used for the rigid kite. A projection method along with open multiprocessing (OpenMP) is employed to solve the flow equations. The reel-out and reel-in velocities of the two tethers are adjusted to control the kite angle of attack and the resultant hydrodynamic forces. A baseline simulation, where a high net power output was achieved during successive kite power and retraction phases, is examined in detail. The effects of different key design parameters in TUSK systems, such as the ratio of tether to current velocity, kite weight, current velocity, and the tether to kite chord length ratio, are then further studied. System power output, vorticity flow fields, tether tensions, and hydrodynamic coefficients for the kite are determined. The power output results are shown to be in good agreement with the established theoretical results for a kite moving in two dimensions.

scholarly journals A least action principle for interceptive walking

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soon Ho Kim ◽  
Jong Won Kim ◽  
Hyun Chae Chung ◽  
MooYoung Choi
Keyword(s):  
Social Systems ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Classical Mechanics ◽  
Action Principle ◽  
Lagrange Equations ◽  
Least Action Principle ◽  
Least Action ◽  
The Least Action Principle ◽  
Principle Of Least Action ◽  
Human Participants

AbstractThe principle of least effort has been widely used to explain phenomena related to human behavior ranging from topics in language to those in social systems. It has precedence in the principle of least action from the Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics. In this study, we present a model for interceptive human walking based on the least action principle. Taking inspiration from Lagrangian mechanics, a Lagrangian is defined as effort minus security, with two different specific mathematical forms. The resulting Euler–Lagrange equations are then solved to obtain the equations of motion. The model is validated using experimental data from a virtual reality crossing simulation with human participants. We thus conclude that the least action principle provides a useful tool in the study of interceptive walking.

Analytical Solution for Rotational Rub-Impact Plate Under Thermal Shock

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-311
Author(s):  
T.-Y. Zhao ◽  
H.-Q. Yuan ◽  
B.-B. Li ◽  
Z.-J. Li ◽  
L.-M. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Shock ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Cantilever Plate ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Multiple Frequency ◽  
Width Direction ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
High Frequency Vibrations

AbstractThe analysis method is developed to obtain dynamic characteristics of the rotating cantilever plate with thermal shock and tip-rub. Based on the variational principle, equations of motion are derived considering the differences between rubbing forces in the width direction of the plate. The transverse deformation is decomposed into quasi-static deformation of the cantilever plate with thermal shock and dynamic deformation of the rubbing plate under thermal shock. Then deformations are obtained through the calculation of modal characteristics of rotating cantilever plate and temperature distribution function. Special attention is paid to the influence of tip-rub and thermal shock on the plate. The results show that tip-rub has the characteristics of multiple frequency vibrations, and high frequency vibrations are significant. On the contrary, thermal shock shows the low frequency vibrations. The thermal shock makes the rubbing plate gradually change into low frequency vibrations. Because rub-induced vibrations are more complicated than those caused by thermal shock, tip-rub is easier to result in the destruction of the blade. The increasing friction coefficient intensifies vibrations of the rubbing plate. Minimizing friction coefficients can be an effective way to reduce rub-induced damage through reducing the surface roughness between the blade tip and the inner surface of the casing.

Influence of Leading Edge Fillet and Nonaxisymmetric Contoured Endwall on Turbine NGV Exit Flow Structure and Interactions With the Rim Seal Flow

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Özhan H. Turgut ◽  
Cengiz Camcı
Keyword(s):  
Flow Structure ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Guide Vane ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Rotor Blades ◽  
Constant Thickness ◽  
Computational Evaluation ◽  
Nozzle Guide

Three different ways are employed in the present paper to reduce the secondary flow related total pressure loss. These are nonaxisymmetric endwall contouring, leading edge (LE) fillet, and the combination of these two approaches. Experimental investigation and computational simulations are applied for the performance assessments. The experiments are carried out in the Axial Flow Turbine Research Facility (AFTRF) having a diameter of 91.66cm. The NGV exit flow structure was examined under the influence of a 29 bladed high pressure turbine rotor assembly operating at 1300 rpm. For the experimental measurement comparison, a reference Flat Insert endwall is installed in the nozzle guide vane (NGV) passage. It has a constant thickness with a cylindrical surface and is manufactured by a stereolithography (SLA) method. Four different LE fillets are designed, and they are attached to both cylindrical Flat Insert and the contoured endwall. Total pressure measurements are taken at rotor inlet plane with Kiel probe. The probe traversing is completed with one vane pitch and from 8% to 38% span. For one of the designs, area averaged loss is reduced by 15.06%. The simulation estimated this reduction as 7.11%. Computational evaluation is performed with the rotating domain and the rim seal flow between the NGV and the rotor blades. The most effective design reduced the mass averaged loss by 1.28% over the whole passage at the NGV exit.

Investigation of a Rotor Blade With Tip Cooling Subject to a Nonuniform Temperature Profile

2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harika S. Kahveci
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Profile ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Inlet Temperature ◽  
Pressure Side ◽  
Engine Operation ◽  
Pressure Losses ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Temperature Levels

Abstract One of the challenges in the design of a high-pressure turbine blade is that a considerable amount of cooling is required so that the blade can survive high temperature levels during engine operation. Another challenge is that the addition of cooling should not adversely affect blade aerodynamic performance. The typical flat tips used in designs have evolved into squealer form that implements rims on the tip, which has been reported in several studies to achieve better heat transfer characteristics as well as to decrease pressure losses at the tip. This paper demonstrates a numerical study focusing on a squealer turbine blade tip that is operating in a turbine environment matching the typical design ratios of pressure, temperature, and coolant blowing. The blades rotate at a realistic rpm and are subjected to a turbine rotor inlet temperature profile that has a nonuniform shape. For comparison, a uniform profile is also considered as it is typically used in computational studies for simplicity. The effect of tip cooling is investigated by implementing seven holes on the tip near the blade pressure side. Results confirm that the temperature profile nonuniformity and the addition of cooling are the drivers for loss generation, and they further increase losses when combined. Temperature profile migration is not pronounced with a uniform profile but shows distinct features with a nonuniform profile for which hot gas migration toward the blade pressure side is observed. The blade tip also receives higher coolant coverage when subject to the nonuniform profile.

Linear and Nonlinear Dynamics of Cantilevered Cylinders in Axial Flow

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Jamal ◽  
Michael P. Païdoussis ◽  
Luc G. Mongeau
Keyword(s):  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Experimental System ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Viscous Force ◽  
Flexible Cylinder ◽  
Force Coefficients ◽  
Precise Calculation ◽  
Linear And Nonlinear ◽  
Nonlinear Equations Of Motion

Understanding and prediction of the dynamics of slender flexible cylinders in axial flow is of interest for the design and safe operation of heat exchangers and nuclear reactors, specifically that of heat exchanger tubes, nuclear fuel elements, control rods, and monitoring tubes. In such fluid-structure interaction problems, the fluid forces acting on the flexible structure play a vital role in defining its dynamics. Therefore, a precise calculation of the coefficients associated to these forces, such as the longitudinal and normal viscous force coefficients, and base drag coefficient in the equation of motion is imperative. The present work is aimed at (i) calculating these force coefficients for a cantilevered slender flexible cylinder, fitted with an ogival end-piece, in axial flow and (ii) conducting experiments on the same system. In the calculation of these force coefficients, the parameters of the experimental system are used, so that the theoretically predicted dynamics would be representative of the actual physical system. These calculated force coefficients are then incorporated in the linear and nonlinear equations of motion and the predicted dynamics are compared with those of the experiments. The comparison shows good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results.

Aerodynamic Performance of Blade Tip End-Plates Designed for Low-Noise Operation in Axial Flow Fans

2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Corsini ◽  
Franco Rispoli ◽  
A. G. Sheard
Keyword(s):  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Acoustic Emissions ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Tip Leakage Flow ◽  
Tip Leakage ◽  
Leakage Flows ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Tip Leakage Flows

This study assesses the effectiveness of modified blade-tip configurations in achieving passive noise control in industrial fans. The concepts developed here, which are based on the addition of end-plates at the fan-blade tip, are shown to have a beneficial effect on the fan aeroacoustic signature as a result of the changes they induce in tip-leakage-flow behavior. The aerodynamic merits of the proposed blade-tip concepts are investigated by experimental and computational studies in a fully ducted configuration. The flow mechanisms in the blade-tip region are correlated with the specific end-plate design features, and their role in the creation of overall acoustic emissions is clarified. The tip-leakage flows of the fans are analyzed in terms of vortex structure, chordwise leakage flow, and loading distribution. Rotor losses are also investigated. The modifications to blade-tip geometry are found to have marked effects on the multiple vortex behaviors of leakage flow as a result of changes in the near-wall fluid flow paths on both blade surfaces. The improvements in rotor efficiency are assessed and correlated with the control of tip-leakage flows produced by the modified tip end-plates.

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