Collapse of a 47-meter composite blade under combined bending and torsion in a full-scale static test

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Abstract

This study presents an investigation on structural collapse of a large composite wind turbine blade under combined bending and torsion in a static load test. The initial failure phenomenon prior to the blade collapse is investigated using video recorded images. Postcollapse characteristics of the blade are examined to identify the critical failure modes. A finite element model is constructed considering the constraint effect of loading saddles on the blade section. Structural response of the blade section during the loading process is investigated numerically. It is found that delamination and fracture of the spar cap are two critical failure modes responsible for the root causes of the blade collapse. These critical failure modes are evoked by local buckling of blade shells and shear webs. Numerical results show that the Brazier effect imposes significant crushing pressure to the blade cross section and contribute to local buckling. Moreover, it is found that torsion loads, although insignificant compared with the primary bending loads applied to the blade, affect postcollapse characteristics of the blade in this study.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication35th Wind Energy Symposium
Number of pages6
PublisherAerospace Research Central (ARC)
Publication date2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event35th Wind Energy Symposium - Grapevine, TX, United States
Duration: 9 Jan 201713 Jan 2017
Conference number: 35

Conference

Conference35th Wind Energy Symposium
Number35
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityGrapevine, TX
Period09/01/201713/01/2017

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