Integrated CFD and Structural Analysis of Small-Scale Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

Introduction: This study conducts a thorough numerical investigation of a small-scale horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) by combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with structural finite element analysis (FEA). Methodology: The CFD model employs a three-dimensional RANS formulation with an appropriate turbulence closure to capture the detailed flow field around the rotor. The pressure contours and streamline plots revealed blade-induced pressure gradients and the formation of helical tip vortices. The wake velocity deficit and recovery were quantified using velocity slice visualizations downstream of the turbine. The key solver and boundary settings were documented to ensure reproducibility. The structural FEA of the rotor uses load distributions from the CFD to compute the von Mises stress, deformation, and reaction forces at the hub. Results: The integrated results provide insights into vortex formation, wake recovery, blade loading, and structural integrity under the operating conditions. The outcomes demonstrated a coherent helical wake, significant tip-vortex strength, stable velocity deficit, and low structural deformation, highlighting the turbine’s aerodynamic efficiency and structural robustness for small-scale deployment. These findings are contextualized with the literature on wake prediction and structural response in wind turbines. Conclusion: The CFD simulation revealed a well-defined helical wake with strong tip vortices, supported by high-pressure gradient regions on the blade tips and leading edges. The velocity deficit plots showed a pronounced near-wake core and gradual wake recovery, consistent with established research on small-scale turbines. Structural analysis confirmed that the maximum blade tip deflection remained under 3 mm, while the peak von Mises stress (≈ 18.7 MPa) well within the safe limits for materials. Significance: This study yields important insights into both aerodynamic behavior and structural response under operating conditions.