Linear and nonlinear buckling analysis for the material design optimization of wind turbine blades

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the buckling behavior of the load-carrying support structure of a wind turbine blade.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental experience has shown that local buckling is a major failure mode that dominantly influences the total collapse of the blade.

Findings

The results from parametric analyses offer a clear perspective about the buckling capacity but also about the post-buckling behavior and strength of the models.

Research limitations/implications

This makes possible to compare the response of the different fiber-reinforced polymers used in the computational model.

Originality/value

Furthermore, this investigation leads to useful conclusions for the material design optimization of the load-carrying box girder, as significant advantages derive not only from the combination of different fiber-reinforced polymers in hybrid material structures, but also from Kevlar-fiber blades.

Citation

Theotokoglou, E.E., Balokas, G. and Savvaki, E.K. (2019), "Linear and nonlinear buckling analysis for the material design optimization of wind turbine blades", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 10 No. 6, pp. 749-765. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSI-02-2018-0011