I'm about to start working on a research project for the next 12 months. Basically a feasibility study on using "memory-metals" as actuators of "vibration reducing control flaps" on very large scale wind turbine blades. "Large" meaning that the diameter of the rotor is larger 300 ft. These are BIG "windmills" !

The final intent being to test such a setup on a smaller scale in the windtunnel and proof its usefulness. My part in it will most probably be to design and implement an "inverted dynamic model" as a compensator for the strongly non-linear behaviour the "memory-metal" actuator (the control flap) and when time permits a first-try controller for the windtunnel test. I think an artificial neural network is best used to implement such a compensator. When that is done then I have to think about what I want to do next. More research, more teaching or switch over to the industry and earn my pension. I really enjoy teaching but I hate the political games and lack of upward mobility that is found in such environments. I'm told that the windpower sector is booming right now and looking for lots of scientists and engineers and honestly I would like to earn some bucks again.

Wouter