Analytical and numerical modelling of fluid-structure interactions of a disc spinning in water with applications for hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric turbines vibrate when they operate, due to their rotation in water. Those vibrations, if not studied and looked after, may damage the runners as well as the shaft, resulting in a decrease of production and operating range, and in a faster deterioration of the components too. Therefore, this project aims to study the vibrations focusing on two critical components of the system’s dynamic: the acoustic resonance in water which can affect drastically the structure vibrations and the behaviour of the shaft attached to the runner which is subject to radial
vibrations. These studies would develop analytical and numerical models to let Andritz having a better understanding of those phenomena and thus prevent the turbines from vibration damages.

Faculty Supervisor:

Frederick Gosselin

Student:

Partner:

ANDRITZ Canada Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology; Energy and Utilities; Green/Alternative Energy

University:

Polytechnique Montréal

Program: