Research Area

The aim of Deepak’s research is to predict the effects of aging by a de-coupled approach in order to understand the fatigue failure behaviour of tidal turbine blades made of fibre-reinforced composites. For this, essential experiments such as three-point, four-point flexural and biaxial fatigue tests will be conducted in submerged conditions under ambient and elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the same tests will be performed in air under ambient and elevated temperatures.  Numerical methods have already proved successful in simulating crack growths and various failure mechanisms. Based on experimental findings, continuum-based coupled models will be developed and validated to guide design techniques in the future to minimize the number of expensive structural tests that need to be performed.The experimental facet will primarily be based in the Swansea University College of Engineering, Bay Campus. Some experiments may be conducted in collaboration with IFREMER, France (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea).