Jakub Dudáš
PhD
Prediction and Modelling of Damage Mechanisms of Extra-Large Wind Turbine Blades
Host Organisation
DTU Wind
Project Description
Over past decades, the size of wind turbine blades increased drastically, from several dozen meters to 150 meters and more with rapid increase in production capacities. Despite the industry growth, a number of incidents with large wind turbines were reported over last few years, including Vineyard wind, Dogger Bank, Odal Vind wind farms as well as Mingyang 26MW test turbine, and leading to critical questions with view on safety, public opinion and environment. In this project, the root causes and mechanisms of damage and failure of extra-large wind turbine blades will be investigated and clarified using computational simulations and multiscale modelling.
The objective of the project is to develop and investigate multi-scale finite element model of extra-large wind turbine blade subject to complex random loads, evaluate and mitigate the risks of extra-large wind turbine blade damage and failure. The larger role of torsional forces at higher sizes and tip velocities is not considered in the usual blade damage models. This project will clarify mechanisms of damage of extra-large wind turbine blades and develop computational models of blade damage under specific mechanisms. Computational unit cell models of the most critical damage mechanisms will be developed and used for the prediction of blade failure risk. The increase in damage likelihood with increasing the blade size will be investigated by comparing several typical blade mechanisms and loading. Parameter studies will be done, and recommendations of failure likelihood mitigation will be developed.
Supervisors
Main supervisor: Sr. Scientist Leon Mishnaevsky Jr.
Co. supervisor: Researcher Kristine Munk Jespersen
Co. supervisor: Prof. Taeseong Kim
Co. supervisor: Prof. Dr. Cristian Guillermo Gebhardt
Background
I come from Slovakia, graduated in Applied Mechanics at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, where I gained broad and solid knowledge in mechanical engineering. During my studies, I spent a semester abroad at Politecnico di Torino, which deepened my expertise in composite design and numerical methods and inspired me to pursue research abroad. I was also an active member of the Formula Student team, working on aerodynamics and composite monocoque manufacturing. After finishing my studies, I worked in the aerospace industry as an analysis engineer for 1,5 years, further developing my practical skills. I am passionate about aviation, space exploration, and enjoy sports such as skiing, swimming, and volleyball.
Motivation
I wanted to join a PhD program because of my strong curiosity to explore new methods in composites and applied mechanics, and from a desire to bridge academic research with industrial challenges. Having experienced the impact of innovation in practice, I am eager to contribute not only by applying established techniques, but by developing new approaches that can advance lightweight and efficient structures. I see the PhD as a unique opportunity to grow my skillset, collaborate with like-minded researchers, and contribute to solutions that push engineering, science and human knowledge forward.