| The thesis presented in this document deals with the caracterisation of the behaviour of an undulating membrane tidal energy converter. This kind of device uses the flutter instabilities occurring between a semi-rigid pre-strained membrane and a fluid flow in order to convert the sea currents energy. Above a certain critical flow speed, the structure ondulates, thus activating the linear converters fixed on it. In order to study this system, an experimental model is developped and tested in a flume tank. The power conversion system is simulated by hydraulic dampers. The membrane’s dynamics is analysed in many configurations through trajectory and force measurements, and leads to a parametric study. More realistic flow conditions are also studied, such as... |
