The development of new radical technological solutions is needed more than ever to minimize the anthropogenic Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and limit the impact of climate change on our society. Creating more sustainable transport vehicles through high-impact research is the vision of TU Delft and the driving force behind a multi-disciplinary, interfaculty research program on wind-assisted propulsion.
The first phase of the project (2024-2028) will focus on the aerodynamics of rotating cylinders focused on propulsion and control applications, a topic with firm roots in Aeronautics and synergetic benefits for the Maritime industry. In aircraft, rotating cylinders will mainly contribute to enhance lift during takeoff and landing. Ships can be made more efficient by applying the knowledge in this project to develop further wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
The research project will be conducted experimentally and numerically with a strong emphasis on the understanding of the flow physics and the exploration of strategies for aerodynamic performance-enhancement and rotor-rotor interactions for layout optimization of multi-rotor systems.