How to link AeroDyn with structural code?

Wind & Water Computer-Aided Engineering Software Tools
1

Hi,

I have developed my own simple structural model for blade with MATLAB. Now i want to link my codes with aerodyn to study on its aeroelasticity. Is there any one to know how is it possible to link aerodyn with a structural model? is there anyone have linked aerodyn with his own codes?

regards,

2

Dear Mehdi,

I’m sure it is possible with a bit of work. Interfacing to AeroDyn v15 would be the most straight-forward. I suggest that you start by reviewing the existing interface to AeroDyn v15, including interface routines AD_Init, AD_End, AD_UpdateStates, and AD_CalcOutput. You’ll have to understand how the mesh data structures in the FAST modularization framework function to pass the input and output arguments to AD_UpdateStates and AD_CalcOutput.

The connection to MATLAB is an added complication; you’ll have to develop an S-Function to call AeroDyn’s fortran code. I suggest you also review how the existing interface between FAST v8 and MATLAB/Simulink functions.

Best regards,

3

Thanks Jason,

What about getting aerodynamic forces distribution acting on blades through FAST?
How to get them?

4

Dear Mehdi,

In AeroDyn v15, you can output the applied aerodynamic loads through the standard user interface at up to 9 analysis nodes along each blade. See Appendix E in the draft AeroDyn v15 User’s Guide and Theory Manual for more information: wind.nrel.gov/nwtc/docs/AeroDyn_Manual.pdf.

Within the AeroDyn v15 source code, the applied aerodynamic loads are contained in the y%BladeLoad output mesh.

Best regards,

5

Sir,
Good day!

Sir, I also have issues concerning coupling.
From the matrix form of M[d^2x/dt^2] + C[dx/dt] + K = F where F covers aerodynamic, centrifugal and gravitational forces, what would be the form of “F” looks like?

For instance, in some general vibration texts, F is sometimes expressed as F= F cos wt.
I’m wondering how F is approached in wind turbine aeroelasticity?

Kind regards,
Wesley

6

Dear Wesley,

It sounds like what you are asking for is the form of the equations of motion of a wind turbine, including aeroelasticity. The FAST theory basis is discussed in the following forum topic: Coupled blade modes in FAST.

Through a FAST linearization analysis, you can get the linearized form your showing (normalized by the mass matrix), as discussed recently in the following forum topic: Problem running Test18.fst in Simulink by Changing TMax using FAST_8.16 - #50 by Jason.Jonkman.

Best regards,