Prediction of the Damage Effect on Fiberglass-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites for Wind Turbine Blades

Abstract

The structure of wind turbine blades (WTBs) is characterized by complex geometry and materials that must resist various loading over a long period. Because of the components’ exposure to highly aggressive environmental conditions, the blade material suffers cracks, delamination, or even ruptures. The prediction of the damage effects on the mechanical behavior of WTBs, using finite element analysis, is very useful for design optimization, manufacturing processes, and for monitoring the health integrity of WTBs. This paper focuses on the sensitivity analysis of the effects of the delamination degree of fiberglass-reinforced polymer composites in the structure of wind turbine blades. Using finite element analysis, the composite was modeled as a laminated structure with five plies (0/45/90/45/0) and investigated regarding the stress states around the damaged areas. Thus, the normal and shear stresses corresponding to each element of delaminated areas were extracted from each ply of the composites. It was observed that the maximum values of normal and shear stresses occurred in relation to the orientation of the composite layer. Tensile stresses were developed along the WTB with maximum values in the upper and lower plies (Ply 1 and Ply 5), while the maximum tensile stresses were reached in the perpendicular direction (on the thickness of the composite), in the median area of the thickness, compared to the outer layers where compression stresses were obtained. Taking into account the delamination cases, there was a sinuous-type fluctuation of the shear stress distribution in relation to the thickness of the composite and the orientation of the layer.

Use of Yarn and Carded Jute as Epoxy Matrix Reinforcement for the Production of Composite Materials for Application in the Wind Sector: A Preliminary Analysis for the Manufacture of Blades for Low-Intensity Winds

“…In the study by Stanciu and Nastac [ 28 ], the mechanical properties of synthetic materials used in the construction of wind turbine blades were observed from samples tested for mechanical, static, and/or dynamic stresses under environmental conditions and failure criteria based on the classical laminate theory (CLT).…”

Analysis of forced vibration of wind turbine blade laminated composites under delamination defects

“…Wind turbine blades are susceptible to delamination damage during rotation when subjected to extreme forces and multiple loads [4,5] . Delamination damage reduces the reliability of laminate composites and leads to a significant decrease in strength and stiffness, which limits the application environment of composite laminates.…”

Stress Characteristics of Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine Blades under Dynamic Yaw

“…It showed a potential ability to aid in the design of damage-tolerant composite wind turbine blades by facilitating reasonable failure prediction at large structural scales. According to Stanciu et al [32], fracture of the aft panel leads to catastrophic blade failure, and delamination is caused by an uneven load distribution. To determine tiny stresses and to simulate microscopic damage, Ye et al [33] established an isoperimetric micromechanical model.…”