Presentation Information
[350101-01-01]Advances in Variational Multiscale Methods for Optimizing Wind and Marine Energy Systems
Prof. Artem Korobenko (University of Calgary)
Accelerating the deployment and scientific advancement of wind and marine energy systems requires the development of predictive multi-fidelity numerical tools integrated into their design, operation, and management. In this talk, I will present recent advances in variational multiscale (VMS) methods that address various technological and scientific challenges in marine and wind energy applications. These challenges include high-Reynolds number turbulent flows in complex domains, wake-structure interactions, free-surface and cavitation effects, complex topography, stratification, and more. The numerical framework developed by the CFSMgroup at the University of Calgary (https://www.cfsmgroup.com/) utilizes the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, along with a transport equation for vapor/volume fraction (for multiphase flows) or temperature (for stratified flows). The VMS method operates as an LES-like approach, eliminating the need for filters or artificial dissipation. The formulation supports both linear finite elements and quadratic NURBS discretization, with enhanced stability and accuracy near walls achieved through weak imposition of boundary conditions, similar to classical wall modeling approaches. The robustness and accuracy of this framework will be demonstrated through a range of challenging applications, including simulations of vertical-axis hydrokinetic turbines in turbulent flow with free surfaces, full-scale and geometrically complex cavitating flow simulations, wind farm modeling under stable atmospheric boundary layers, flow over complex terrains, and more.