Description:

Tower Optimization

Summary: Performed a volume optimization of our wind turbine shaft by decreasing the thickness of the tower shaft using both diameter and material adjustments. Analyzed material strength and deformation using FEA, and optimized costs based on requirements.

Constraints: Limited maximum stress on the material to be less than or equal to 85%, and this was done to account for deformation.

Key Points: Design of shaft, stress and deformation analysis (FEA), design optimization, and material selection.

Software Used: SolidWorks / ABAQUS

Company:

University of Texas at Dallas

Project Duration:

3 Months

Timeline:

March 2021 – May 2021