1. BaSaMa & HiWi
    2.  

Hydrodynamic Analysis of a Hydrofoil-Shaped Kite (SA/MA)

Institute
Lehrstuhl für Fördertechnik Materialfluss Logistik (TUM-ED)
Type
Semester Thesis / Master's Thesis /
Content
experimental / theoretical /  
Description

Initial situation

The cableKites system introduces a novel concept that adapts cableway technology for tidal energy harvesting. A key component of the system is the hydrofoil-shaped kite attached to the rope, which generates hydrodynamic forces that are transmitted to the rope and significantly influence the overall system behaviour. Based on the currently completed hydrofoil-shaped kite design, previous work within the project has focused on specific operating conditions.

However, detailed understanding of the fluid-dynamic behaviour of the kite under varying flow velocities, angles of attack, and dynamic loading conditions is still limited. In particular, a transferable description of the hydrodynamic forces suitable for system-level simulations and future coupling with rope dynamics is currently missing.

Objective and approach

This student work aims to investigate the fluid-dynamic behaviour of a single kite in water using numerical simulation methods. The focus is on analysing how hydrodynamic forces evolve under different operating conditions and on deriving force characteristics that are suitable for later coupling with rope dynamic models in system-level simulations.

The main tasks of this work include:

  • Review and synthesis of existing project results and relevant literature on hydrofoil- or  kite-based flow simulations
  • Selection and setup of an appropriate CFD model for a single kite
  • Execution of CFD simulations for selected operating conditions to obtain hydrodynamic force data 
  • Evaluation and post-processing of hydrodynamic forces, including representations suitable for later coupling with rope dynamic models
  • Analysis and discussion of force trends and potential dynamic effects under varying operating conditions

The work is ideally to be completed as a semester, or Master’s thesis, with the depth of analysis and level of modelling detail can be adjusted accordingly. Interested and qualified students are invited to submit a CV, transcripts, and a short motivation letter for the application.

Requirements
  • Background in mechanical engineering or a related field.
  • Basic knowledge of fluid mechanics
  • Prior experience with CFD or numerical simulation methods
  • Experience with CFD software (e.g. ANSYS, Altair, …) and basic programming skills (e.g. MATLAB or Python) are advantageous but not mandatory.
  • Independent, solution-oriented, methodical, and structured working style with strong problem-solving skills.
Possible start
sofort
Contact
Yujie Feng, M.Sc.
Room: MW 1590G
Phone: +49 89 289 15942
yujie.fengtum.de
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