Numerical modelling offers a relatively inexpensive method of testing and validation of early designs, compared to physical models. This paper presents a methodology for developing an advanced numerical model for designing and assessing the performance of composite tidal turbine blades. The model includes the determination of the loadings due to the tidal flow using computational fluid dynamics, the material properties of the fibre-reinforced polymer composite and a structural analysis of the blades. A hydrodynamic analysis of the main loading (thrust force) on the tidal turbine blade is presented, along with a validation of the accuracy of the composite model coupled with the structural analysis (finite element method) solver.
