Divya Tyagi, an Indian-origin aerospace engineering student at Pennsylvania State University, has achieved something remarkable. She has solved a 100-year-old complex aerodynamics problem, making it easier for scientists and engineers to study.
This problem was first introduced by Hermann Glauert, a British aerodynamicist, and has been a key topic in aerodynamics for decades. However, Divya’s new approach simplifies it, allowing for better research and application in wind turbine technology.
How Did Divya Solve the Problem?
Divya expanded on Glauert’s work and introduced a new method to improve wind turbine performance. She explained:
“I added a new method to Glauert’s problem that helps find the best wind flow conditions for a turbine to generate the highest power output.”
Her professor and research adviser, Sven Schmitz, said that Glauert’s original work focused only on maximizing power generation. However, it did not consider the total forces acting on the turbine blades, such as wind pressure, which can cause them to bend.
He compared it to stretching out your arms while someone pushes against your palms.
“You have to resist the push, and wind turbines experience a similar force. Glauert’s work didn’t fully consider this.”
Why Is This Discovery Important?
Divya’s work uses calculus of variations, a special type of mathematics that helps scientists find the best possible solutions under given conditions.
This makes it easier for engineers to test new wind turbine designs and improve energy production. Prof. Schmitz believes Divya’s findings will shape the next generation of wind turbines and will also be included in engineering courses worldwide.
“I had challenged four students with this problem, but only Divya took it on. Her solution is truly impressive,” he said.
What’s Next for Divya?
Having completed her bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering, Divya is now pursuing a master’s degree while working on cutting-edge research in computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Currently, she is involved in a project funded by the US Navy, focusing on improving helicopter flight simulations and making air travel safer.
