Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences

Dr. Claudia Brunner

Max Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization


  • Since 2024: Group leader of an independent Max Planck Research Group on Turbulence and Wind Energy at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
  • 2023-2024: Group leader of a Minerva Fast Track Group on Turbulence and Wind Energy at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
  • 2022: Postdoc at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
  • 2019-2022: PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University
  • 2017-2019: M.A. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University
  • 2013-2017: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and B.A. in International Relations, Stanford University



Major Research Interests
Wakes and turbine-turbine interactions in wind farms.In wind farms, the wakes of upstream turbines reduce the performance of downstream ones. We study the re-energising of the wake region through turbulent entrainment of momentum and the resulting interactions with downstream turbines.

The unsteady aerodynamics of wind turbine blades.Atmospheric turbulence leads to rapidly fluctuating loads on turbine blades, which impede performance predictions and cause mechanical failure. We study the underlying time-resolved flow physics and further our understanding of non-stationary flows.

Novel sensing technology for atmospheric turbulence. Atmospheric turbulence is notoriously difficult to study because conventional sensors are fragile, costly and lack spatial resolution. Based on novel sensing technology, we develop a durable high-resolution sensor for use in harsh atmospheric conditions.
In addition to our fluid dynamics research, we conduct public policy research on the following topic:

The representation of wind energy in techno-economic models. As wind energy deployment increases, so does public opposition to it. We investigate the effect of non-monetary factors like public acceptance on wind energy deployment in techno-economic models.



Homepage Department/Research Group
https://www.ds.mpg.de/person/124568/2253


Selected Recent Publications


  • C E Brunner, J Kiefer, M Hultmark. "Comparison of dynamic stall on an airfoil undergoing sinusoidal and VAWT-shaped pitch motions" Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2265: 032006, 2022.

  • J Kiefer, C E Brunner, M O L Hansen and M Hultmark. "Dynamic stall at high Reynolds numbers induced by ramp-type pitching motions" Journal of Fluid Mechanics 938: A10, 2022.

  • C E Brunner, J Kiefer, M O L Hansen and M Hultmark. "Study of Reynolds number effects on the aerodynamics of a moderately thick airfoil using a high-pressure wind tunnel" Experiments in Fluids 62: 178, 2021.

  • Y Huang, C E Brunner, M K Fu, K Kokmanian, T Morrison, A O Perelet, M Calaf, E Pardyjak and M Hultmark. "Investigation of the atmospheric surface layer using novel high-resolution sensors" Experiments in Fluids 62: 76, 2021.

  • C E Brunner, J Kiefer, M O L Hansen and M Hultmark. "Unsteady effects on a pitching airfoil at conditions relevant for large vertical axis wind turbines" Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1618: 052065, 2020.

  • J Kiefer, C E Brunner, M Hultmark and M O L Hansen. "Dynamic stall at high Reynolds numbers due to variant types of airfoil motion" Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1618: 052028, 2020.