TEAMER: Technical Support for Aquantis (Materials): CRD-21-17762-0

The Aquantis Tidal Power Tug is a unique synthesis of best-available technologies and materials configured as a novel spar vessel to create an optimal platform for tidal stream energy conversion. The Power Tug utilizes an upstream-facing horizontal, 2-bladed rotor. To drive down capital costs and extend the life of the Power Tug, Aquantis proposes to employ new materials for the blades that are both less expensive than current state-of-the-art materials and are potentially better suited for survival in a submerged, seawater environment. This project provided technical assistance by evaluating mechanical properties of a novel geopolymer material for application in tidal stream energy conversion systems. Coupons from a novel geopolymer material were tested in a load frame to characterize material properties.

This work established characteristic properties of a geopolymer material under dry and saturated conditions through material coupon testing. Material coupons were tested to characterize properties including: a) tensile strength, b) compression strength, c) flexural strength, d) modulus of elasticity, and e) fatigue strength at varying load levels. The types of material tests performed were guided by the characteristics required to validate material properties for use in full-scale structures. This characterization of material properties while considering the demands of a full-scale structure is a necessary step in research and development that can enable the use of geopolymer materials in tidal stream energy conversion systems.

This submission includes:
- a ReadMe file describing the contents and subfile organization of the coupon testing data .zip file
- geopolymer coupon testing data including photos of testing set-ups, raw data, and summaries of flexural testing, compression testing, confined compression testing, and tensile and shear testing