Undergrad Elegantly Solves Century-Old Problem, Improves Wind Turbine Design

Divya Tyagi, an aerospace engineering undergraduate at Penn State, elegantly refined a century-old mathematical problem—Glauert's problem—making it simpler and easier to use. Her research expands aerodynamic research, unlocking new possibilities in wind turbine design by addressing factors Glauert didn't consider, such as blade bending under wind pressure. Tyagi's addition, based on the calculus of variations, simplifies the solution, allowing exploration of new facets of wind turbine design and promising improved wind energy production and reduced costs. Her work, published in *Wind Energy Science*, earned her the Anthony E. Wolk Award.