Analysing Fibre Composite Designs for High-Solidity Ducted Tidal Turbine Blades

Abstract

This study elaborates a one-way fluid-structure interaction numerical model utilised in investigating the structural mechanics concerning the rotor blades comprising a ducted high-solidity tidal turbine. Coupling hydrodynamic outcomes as structural inputs in effort of acknowledging the most applicable setup, distinct designs are investigated, solid blades and cored blades, utilising fibre-reinforced composite materials, analysed within criteria related to blade axial deformation, induced radial strains, and rotor specific mass.