In a discovery that combines mathematics with advanced renewable energy research, Indian-origin aerospace engineering student Divya Tyagi at Penn State has cracked a century-old aerodynamic problem. Her research has unlocked new possibilities for wind turbine efficiency, an accomplishment that could define the future of renewable energy.
Rewriting History in Aerodynamics
First developed by British aerodynamicist Hermann Glauert, the challenge centers on the maximization of wind turbine performance by ascertaining optimal aerodynamic conditions. Although Glauert’s model was very important in explaining power efficiency, it neglected to completely ascertain forces experienced by a turbine rotor, specifically the bending of blades due to wind pressure.
Tyagi’s research introduces a crucial addendum that simplifies the problem using the calculus of variations—a mathematical optimization technique. This makes it significantly easier for engineers and researchers to apply the model to real-world wind turbine designs.
The Impact: Stronger and More Efficient Turbines
Her research, published in Wind Energy Science, offers insights that can directly enhance wind energy generation. Even a 1% increase in the power coefficient of a turbine, which is a measure of efficiency, can have significant impacts, Tyagi says, potentially energizing an entire neighborhood with the added energy production.
Sven Schmitz, her professor and adviser at Penn State, stressed the importance of her work by saying, “Divya’s elegant solution will probably become part of classrooms all around the globe. It simplifies a complex problem and makes way for improved wind turbine designs.”
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
Tyagi’s journey wasn’t just about solving an intricate mathematical puzzle; it was about persistence and intellectual rigor. During her undergraduate studies, she dedicated 10 to 15 hours per week to refining her solution, eventually earning the prestigious Anthony E. Wolk Award for her thesis.
Presently, being a master’s student, Tyagi has widened her research to computational fluid dynamics, investigating the interaction of airflow between helicopters and ships—a field imperative for enhancing naval flight safety. Her research, funded by the U.S. Navy, seeks to refine flight simulations and make ship-landing flights safer for pilots.
Her success is a testament to the growing influence of women in STEM and the contributions of Indian-origin researchers to global scientific advancements.
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