Indentation based strength analysis of adhesively bonded leading-edge composite joints in wind turbine blades.

Droubi, M.G.; Fosbrooke, C.; McConnachie, J.; Faisal, N.H.

Abstract

Wind turbine is a source of non-polluting renewable energy. Whether a wind turbine is viable depends entirely on the structural integrity of turbine blade. To assess the structural integrity of wind turbine blades it is necessary to investigate the loading behaviour of adhesively bonded composite joints. Finite Element (FE) along with Cohesive Zone Modelling (CZM) methods were implemented to investigate the elastic indentation contact of adhesively bonded leading-edge composite joints in wind turbine blades. The CZM was validated by replicating existing experimental and numerical work on composite-to-adhesive bonds applied to wind turbine structures. This validated model was then used to investigate the structural integrity of a variety of leading-edge joint configurations, adhesive thicknesses and bond finishes under indentation. Numerical results showed that an off-centre adhesive joint configuration was desirable and capable of withstanding between 39-96% more load than centred joints. Direct indenter to adhesive contact was shown to reduce fracture resistance by up to 4.7%. An adhesive joint based on a lap joint configuration was proposed as an alternative to current designs.

Citation

DROUBI, M.G., FOSBROOKE, C., MCCONNACHIE, J. and FAISAL, N.H. 2019. Indentation based strength analysis of adhesively bonded leading-edge composite joints in wind turbine blades. SN applied sciences [online], 1(7), article ID 691. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-0735-6

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 4, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jun 10, 2019
• Publication Date: Jul 31, 2019
• Deposit Date: Jun 6, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 6, 2019
• Journal: SN applied sciences
• Print ISSN: 2523-3963
• Electronic ISSN: 2523-3971
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 7
• Article Number: 691
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-0735-6
• Keywords: Wind turbine blade; Adhesive joints; Stress analysis; Finite element method; Indentation
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/245862