Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Concourse [B10]

Flow-Induced Oscillations and Wake Interactions in Floating Spar-Buoy Wind Turbine Platforms

Presenter: Ava Towfigh

Faculty Sponsor: Yahya Modarres-Sadeghi

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Mechanical Engineering

ABSTRACT

Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) effects play a critical role in the performance and reliability of offshore structures exposed to unsteady flows. This study examines flow-induced oscillations of model floating spar-buoy wind turbine platforms, resulting from vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) and wake interactions. The model spar consists of a 3D-printed uniform cylindrical buoy, moored and tested in a recirculating water tunnel and free to oscillate about its mooring attachment point near the center of mass. To investigate wake effects between neighboring structures, a second identical buoy was placed downstream in tandem with varying spacing. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was used to visualize vortex shedding patterns and measure wake velocity fields, while the in-line motion of each buoy was recorded to determine oscillation amplitude under different flow conditions. MATLAB was used for image processing, data analysis, and visualization of wake interactions and oscillation trends.

This research will identify trends in how an upstream buoy alters the flow experienced by a downstream buoy, leading to changes in oscillatory behavior that depend on buoy spacing and flow velocity. Modern offshore wind turbines within wind farms are prone to VIV from wake interactions between neighboring turbines. Understanding these effects is important for improving platform stability and supporting wind energy applications.

 

RELATED ABSTRACTS