Internship | Standstill Vibrations: Full-scale field tests and numerical Simulations

Internship | Standstill Vibrations: Full-scale field tests and numerical Simulations

About this position

Wind energy industry is struggling with the topic off standstill vibrations. To date, the simplified methods applied in rotor blade design are not adequate to capture the underlying physics. As a result, findings regarding Standstill and/or Vortex Induced Vibrations (SViV) only become apparent late in the design or production process and may require revision of the rotor blade design. This master thesis assignment contributes to tackling this issue by performing field measurements and corresponding numerical simulations.

What will be your role?

You will perform an exploratory study of the critical conditions for SVIV to occur both in the simulation domain, as well as experiments in the field and compare these. Furthermore you will explore innovative models like a double wake model to assess the effects of using unsteady airfoil polars in predicting SVIV. Optionally you will use a wind tunnel database as an intermediate step to explore the possibilities of innovative unsteady airfoil models.
You will work within a team of highly motivated professionals that are happy to supervise you along the way.

What we expect from you

Your communication skills allow you to convey a difficult technical topic in an understandable way. Furthermore you have:

• Sound knowledge of aero-elasticity, aerodynamics and wind turbine modelling.
• Proven programming experience, for instance in coding your own rotor aerodynamics code.
• Good critical thinking skills and ability to think outside the box for scientific research. Aptitude to use scripting software like Matlab and Python.

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

More information about this vacancy?

• Koen Boorsma
  • E-mailadres: koen.boorsma@tno.nl