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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.

Authors

C. Fosbrooke

J. McConnachie



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

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