Vibration Mitigation in Wind Turbine Blades Using Passive Flow Control: A Structural Dynamics Study.

Aerodynamic stall-induced vibrations on wind turbine blades pose a significant challenge, leading to accelerated fatigue and reduced structural integrity. This study examines the effectiveness of passive flow control mechanisms, specifically cavities and surface protrusions, in reducing vibration levels. A detailed finite element model of the FX84W150 airfoil was created using Simcenter 3D, incorporating modal and harmonic analyses to evaluate the structural dynamics response. The findings show a significant improvement in damping characteristics due to these devices, effectively lessening resonance phenomena and vibration amplitudes. An optimized placement strategy was applied to improve their operational effectiveness. This research underscores the potential for passive aerodynamic modifications to enhance wind turbine blades' vibroacoustic performance and durability, providing valuable insights for advancing design optimization in the wind energy sector.