Prediction of the Damage Effect on Fiberglass-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites for Wind Turbine Blades

Abstract

The structure of wind turbine blades (WTBs) is characterized by complex geometry and materials that must resist various loading over a long period. Because of the components’ exposure to highly aggressive environmental conditions, the blade material suffers cracks, delamination, or even ruptures. The prediction of the damage effects on the mechanical behavior of WTBs, using finite element analysis, is very useful for design optimization, manufacturing processes, and for monitoring the health integrity of WTBs. This paper focuses on the sensitivity analysis of the effects of the delamination degree of fiberglass-reinforced polymer composites in the structure of wind turbine blades. Using finite element analysis, the composite was modeled as a laminated structure with five plies (0/45/90/45/0) and investigated regarding the stress states around the damaged areas. Thus, the normal and shear stresses corresponding to each element of delaminated areas were extracted from each ply of the composites. It was observed that the maximum values of normal and shear stresses occurred in relation to the orientation of the composite layer. Tensile stresses were developed along the WTB with maximum values in the upper and lower plies (Ply 1 and Ply 5), while the maximum tensile stresses were reached in the perpendicular direction (on the thickness of the composite), in the median area of the thickness, compared to the outer layers where compression stresses were obtained. Taking into account the delamination cases, there was a sinuous-type fluctuation of the shear stress distribution in relation to the thickness of the composite and the orientation of the layer.