Indian-Origin Student Cracks 100-Year-Old Math Problem, Boosting Wind Turbine Efficiency
Divya Tyagi, an aerospace engineering graduate student at Pennsylvania State University, has made an exciting breakthrough by simplifying a complex mathematical problem that has existed for nearly 100 years. Her new approach makes it easier to understand and apply, helping researchers explore new possibilities.
Tyagi, who completed her bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering, is now pursuing her master’s while conducting research in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Her work builds on a famous problem developed by British aerodynamicist Hermann Glauert, which has long been a key part of aerodynamics research.
According to Penn State University, Tyagi’s findings open new doors for wind turbine design, revealing aspects that had not been studied before.
Indian student Divya Tyagi at Penn State University has cracked a 100-year-old math problem, which will enable higher efficiency in wind turbines. pic.twitter.com/YtkJXZkmtp
— Hindutva Knight (@HPhobiaWatch) March 18, 2025
What Was Missing in Glauert’s Research?
Tyagi’s advisor, Sven Schmitz, explained that Glauert’s original research focused only on optimizing the power coefficient, which measures how efficiently a wind turbine converts wind into electricity. However, Glauert did not consider other important factors, like the overall forces and moments acting on the rotor or how wind pressure affects the blades, especially when they bend under stress.
Schmitz compared this to spreading your arms out and having someone press on your palm—you naturally resist the force. Wind turbines experience a similar effect, known as downwind thrust force and root bending moment, and engineers need to understand these forces to build stronger and more efficient turbines.
How Did Tyagi Solve It?
Tyagi added a missing piece to Glauert’s problem. She developed a better way to calculate the ideal airflow around a wind turbine to maximize its power output. Her method, based on a mathematical approach called the calculus of variations, allows researchers to optimize turbine performance more easily.
Schmitz praised her solution, saying it is not only effective but also simple and elegant. He believes her work will influence the next generation of wind turbines and may even become a standard part of engineering education worldwide.
Why Is This Important?
Tyagi’s research could reduce costs and increase energy production from wind turbines. She explained that even a small 1% improvement in turbine efficiency could generate enough extra power to supply an entire community.
Her breakthrough is expected to make wind energy more efficient and affordable, contributing to a more sustainable future.
