Aims

Kite power systems are at an early stage of development, and thus, several questions remain open regarding their operational conditions and optimal design. Because the inflatable membrane wing is light and flexible, the aero- and structural- dynamics of kite systems are tightly coupled. This constitutes a challenging fluid-structure interaction problem, which in turn affects the flight dynamics of the wing. Understanding these interactions is particularly important during the critical phases of launch and retrieval of the kite. This work focuses on the interactions between aero- and structural- dynamics, for specific instants in the wing trajectory. Computational models are attractive for analysing these interactions because different configurations can be investigated, while limiting expensive laboratory or onsite testing. Reproducing numerically the behaviour of thin inflatable wings, and their mutual interactions with turbulent winds, is however challenging. It requires coupling the resolution of the fluid- and structural- dynamics equations, which are highly non-linear. A good strategy is also necessary to reduce the computational cost. NUMIWING will develop a high-fidelity fluid-structure interaction framework for kite power systems, by extending the existing immersed-body approach. The method solves the Navier--Stokes equations for the fluid dynamics on an extended domain and relaxes fluid and structural velocities to one another through a penalty force. More information can be found in the publications mentioned on this website.