Wind Energy and Marine Operations (WEMO) lab

Recent Highlights from the WEMO Lab

MISSION 

The Wind Energy and Marine Operations (WEMO) Lab at the University of Maine is committed to advancing the science and engineering of offshore wind systems—both fixed-bottom and floating—through innovative research, education, and technology transfer. Our mission is to generate transformative insights into the behavior, reliability, and performance of offshore wind farms by addressing critical research questions that underpin the development of next-generation wind energy technologies.

Our research approach combines advanced experimental techniques with high-fidelity simulations to study the complex multiphysics environment in which offshore wind turbines operate.  We focus on three core thrust areas:

• Wake Dynamics and Multiphase Turbulence – investigating how environmental factors such as inertial particles (e.g., rain, spray) as well as platform motions affect wake evolution, recovery, and wake-to-wake interactions, with applications to power optimization and load mitigation.

• Durability and Damage Tolerance of Composite Structures – examining the degradation of turbine components such as wind turbine blades under operational stressors, including rain-induced leading-edge erosion, collision dynamics, and long-term fatigue loading, with an emphasis on Durability and Damage Tolerance Approach.

• Fluid–Structure Interactions for Marine Operations – exploring wave–wind–structure coupling using dynamic modelling and wave tank testing to analyse critical phases of marine operations like towing, walk to work operations and crane-assisted blade mating.

Beyond research, WEMO is deeply invested in educational efforts and workforce development. We collaborate with K–12 schools, universities, industry partners, and government agencies to deliver hands-on learning experiences in offshore wind.  Our vision is to help position Maine and the U.S. as leaders in offshore wind innovation through cutting-edge research and inclusive education.

AREAS OF RESEARCH

OUR SPONSORS