Simulating free-surface FSI and fatigue damage in wind-turbine structural systems

Abstract

This article reviews state-of-the-art numerical techniques for fluid–structure interaction (FSI) of full-scale wind-turbine systems. Simulation of floating wind turbines subjected to combined wind-flow and ocean-wave forcing, and modeling of high-cycle fatigue failure of blades due to long-term cyclic aerodynamic loading are the focal points of this article. Computational techniques including advanced structural modeling based on isogeometric analysis (IGA), free-surface FSI, and fatigue-damage modeling are presented. Representative computational examples involving land-based and floating offshore wind-turbine designs illustrate the versatility and power of the computational methods developed.