Numerical modelling of the bonding process for wind turbine blades: model validation

Anil Uzal, Jon Spangenberg, Michael W. Nielsen, Mads Rostgaard Sonne, Jesper Henri Hattel

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperResearchpeer-review

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    Abstract

    Adhesive is typically used in the joint between the two shells composing a wind turbine blade. Thebonding process of a blade can be characterized as a squeeze flow problem where the top shell is forcedtowards the bottom shell, resulting in a deformation in the adhesive. In this study, a 3-D numerical modelis developed in order to analyse adhesive propagation in squeeze flow problems with 3-D flow effects.The model is validated by comparison with an experiment where a rectangular prism shaped adhesivesample is squeezed between two parallel plates. In the numerical model the rheological behaviour of theadhesive is approximated with the Bingham material model. The numerical model is in good agreementwith the experimental results. In the future, the model will be used to optimize the bonding process ofwind turbine blades, save weight and reduce the levelized cost of energy.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication date2017
    Number of pages6
    Publication statusPublished - 2017
    Event21st International Conference on Composite Materials (ICCM-21) - Xi'an, China
    Duration: 20 Aug 201725 Aug 2017

    Conference

    Conference21st International Conference on Composite Materials (ICCM-21)
    Country/TerritoryChina
    CityXi'an
    Period20/08/201725/08/2017

    Keywords

    • Wind turbine blades
    • Adhesive joints
    • Squeeze flow
    • Bingham material model
    • Modelling

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