Can SimScale compute the natural angular velocity (RPM) of a wind turbine rotor from aerodynamic forces?

Using SimScale Fluid Flow / CFD
1

Hi SimScale Team,

I am working on an academic CFD project involving an Archimedes Screw Wind Turbine (ASWT).

My objective is to determine the natural rotational speed (angular velocity/RPM) of the rotor generated by the incoming wind.

The workflow I am trying to achieve is:
Wind velocity (Inlet) → Aerodynamic forces on the rotor → Aerodynamic torque–> Angular acceleration → Angular velocity / RPM

In other words, the rotor initially starts from rest (0 RPM), and I would like the solver to calculate how the rotor accelerates and reaches its natural rotational speed due to the aerodynamic torque.

After obtaining this natural RPM, I plan to use the calculated RPM as the input for my final transient CFD simulations to evaluate the turbine performance (Cp, torque, pressure distribution, velocity field, etc.).

I have been reading several SimScale forum discussions and documentation regarding:

  • Rotating Zones
  • Rotating Motion
  • 1 DoF
  • 6 DoF

From my understanding:

  • Rotating Zones require the rotational speed (RPM) to be specified by the user.
  • Rotating Motion also appears to prescribe the motion through a rotation angle, function, or table.

However, my case is different because the RPM is initially unknown.
Therefore, I would like to ask:

  1. Does SimScale currently support fluid-driven free rotation of a rotor?

  2. Can SimScale automatically compute the rotor’s angular velocity (RPM) from the aerodynamic torque generated by the airflow?

  3. If yes, which simulation type or solver should I use?

  4. **If not, what would be the recommended workflow to obtain the natural RPM of a wind turbine rotor using SimScale?
    **
    My simulation setup is:

    • External aerodynamics
    • Single-phase air
    • Incompressible flow
    • Rotor with only one rotational degree of freedom (rotation about its shaft)
    • No prescribed rotational speed

    I am not looking for a prescribed rotating zone where the RPM is already known.

    Instead, I would like the solver to determine the rotor’s rotational speed naturally from the aerodynamic forces.

    Any suggestions, documentation, or recommended workflow would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you very much!