Partha Pratim Dey
PhD
​High-fidelity CFD-CSD Analysis for very large and flexible offshore wind turbines.​
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Host Organisation
Technical University of Denmark​
Academic secondment: University of Bergen
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Company​​​
Bluenewables
Project Description
As wind turbines grow beyond 25 MW, rotor diameters are expected to exceed 350 m, resulting in blades that are extremely large and flexible. In such cases, aeroelastic effects become a central design challenge. The mutual influence between aerodynamic loads and structural deformation—Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI)—must be accurately captured to predict performance and stability. Current FSI models often pair 3D CFD with 1D beam elements, which may capture global responses such as vortex-induced vibrations but fail to represent local effects like sectional deformation or buckling. High-fidelity FSI simulations enable more accurate prediction of aerodynamic loads, structural deformations, and local stresses, providing a deeper understanding of the complex aeroelastic behavior of large wind turbine blades. In this project, I will develop a high-fidelity FSI coupling framework that integrates detailed 3D structural models with CFD to better assess the aeroelastic limits of next-generation large wind turbines.
Supervisors
Main supervisor: Associate Prof. Taeseong Kim
Co. supervisor: Assistant Prof. Christian Grinderslev
Academic secondment supervisor: Prof. Dr. Cristian Guillermo Gebhardt
Industrial supervisor: Oscar Sainz
Background
I’m from the beautiful northeastern region of India. Guided by a lifelong fascination with science, I earned a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Automobile Engineering. After graduating, I worked in aero-engine aeromechanics at Rolls-Royce India and later at Infosys Ltd., before beginning my PhD. Outside of work, I enjoy playing cricket, traveling and exploring new places, cooking, and speedcubing the Rubik’s Cube.
Motivation
Pursuing a PhD has long been my goal—especially at a world-class university. In the years following my master’s degree, I learned that I enjoy tackling tough questions and creating the tools to solve them. That experience deepened my interest in academic research and sharpened my focus on fluid–structure interaction. My aim is to develop robust, well-validated computational methods that support cleaner energy systems and contribute to the development of very large offshore wind turbines. A PhD will provide the mentorship, methods, and community I need to do this.