Throughout this fellowship, the research was organized into three distinct phases. The initial work package (WP1) focused on integrating DEM/SPH methods for modeling solid/liquid particles with PD theory. The primary goal was to implement this solution within the final software's logical architecture. Notable progress was achieved within WP1, marked by the development of a hybrid PD-DEM/SPH method. This accomplishment led to a conference presentation and the publication of a journal article titled "Hybrid PD-DEM approach for modeling surface erosion by particle impact" in the Computational Particle Mechanics journal. The developed model successfully predicts solid particle impact forces and resulting damage to the target material. The model's accuracy was validated and verified, showing agreement with experimental results in terms of damage patterns and material loss.
The Fellow presented their research on numerical modeling of wind turbine blade erosion caused by particle impact at the 9th World Congress on Particle Technology (WCPT9) in Madrid, Spain. WCPT9 is a premier international event for the particle and bulk technology field, endorsed by the World Assembly of Particle Technology. It offers a unique opportunity for networking and building professional connections with industry peers who share mutual goals.
Furthermore, the Fellow engaged in career development through courses and workshops offered by UEDIN IAD, enhancing skills in project management, effective collaborations, professional networking, presentation skills, and research funding applications.
The specific achievements of WP2 included the article, titled "PD-DEM hybrid approach for modelling leading edge erosion of wind turbine blades," which represents a significant milestone in the project. It has been drafted and submitted to Computational Particle Mechanics as part of WP2. Currently, the article is undergoing the review process. The study primarily aimed to model the impact of solid airborne particles on wind turbine blade leading edges to accurately assess impact forces and material damage. To achieve this, the particle-based hybrid Peridynamics-Discrete Element Method (PD-DEM) approach developed in WP1 was utilized. This approach underwent thorough testing and verification for material failure due to particle impacts. Several tests were conducted to analyze how particle size, impact angle, and impact velocity affected the response of the leading edge coating system.
WP3 builds on WP1 and WP2 achievements, validating the PD-DEM/SPH solver and exploring erosion mechanisms. Progress includes a draft titled "PD-SPH: a coupled approach for modeling wind turbine blade leading edge erosion" for rain droplet impact. The model employs PD for the blade structure and SPH for water droplets, enabling direct coupling, solving particle displacement, and using a repulsive force model for accurate fluid-structure interactions, encompassing deformation, fracture, and multiple particles.
The Fellow will participate in the upcoming "The VIII International Conference on Particle-Based Methods. Fundamentals and Applications (PARTICLES 2023)" in Milan, Italy, from October 9-11, 2023. This conference focuses on particle-based computational methods in engineering and applied sciences, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The Fellow's presentation titled “Coupled PD-SPH approach for modeling wind turbine blade leading edge erosion by rain droplet impacts” will be featured. Overall, the fellowship has yielded substantial progress in erosion modeling through productive collaborations, influential publications and presentations, and skill enhancement opportunities.
