Strength prediction of joints of dissimilar materials. Mixed mode cohesive laws from fracture mechanics tests. Load-carrying capability of medium size specimens by finite element simulations.
The load-carrying parts of wind turbine blades, that are the largest rotating components in a wind turbine, are made of fibre composite. The load-carrying capacity is limited by the development of damage. It is therefore of importance to avoid damages and, when damage has develop, to limit its extension. Therefore, there is a need for design methods that are based on damage evolution, so that wind turbine blades can be designed to possess damage tolerance. Several complicated failure modes, such as buckling-driven delamination, failure of adhesive joints and compressive failure of laminate, can develop. The purpose of the project is to develop new design methods for wind turbine blades.
The project is partially sponsored by the Danish Energy Agency, J. no. 33031-0078. (2005 - 2007).
Risø task
Development of new design methods for strength prediction of joints of dissimilar materials. Determination of mixed mode cohesive laws from fracture mechanics tests of specimens. Prediction of load-carrying capability of medium size specimens by finite element simulations.