Abstract
Abstract. Continuous ongoing efforts to better predict the mechanical behaviour of complex beamlike structures, such as wind turbine blades, are motivated by the need to improve their performance and reduce the costs. However, new design approaches and the increasing flexibility of such structures make their aeroelastic modelling ever more challenging. For the structural part of this modelling, the best compromise between computational efficiency and accuracy can be obtained via schematizations based on suitable beamlike elements. This paper addresses the modelling of the mechanical behaviour of beamlike structures which are curved, twisted and tapered in their unstressed state and undergo large displacements, in- and out-of-plane cross-sectional warping, and small strains. A suitable model for the problem at hand is proposed. Analytical and numerical results obtained by its application are presented and compared with results from 3D FEM analyses.
Highlights
New methods are continuously being sought to improve the performance and efficiency of horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs)
This work addresses the modelling of the mechanical behaviour of structures of this kind, with a particular focus on their main geometrical characteristics, such as the twist and taper of the transversal cross sections, as well as the in- and out-of-plane cross-sectional warping and the large deflections of their reference centre line
A mathematical model to simulate the mechanical behaviour of the mentioned non-prismatic beamlike structures is proposed hereafter
Summary
New methods are continuously being sought to improve the performance and efficiency of horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) Such improvements aim to increase their energy capture capacity, develop more reliable structures and lower overall energy costs (Wiser et al, 2016). Such goals can be achieved through the use of advanced materials, the optimization of the aerodynamic and structural behaviour of the blades, and the exploitation of load control techniques (see, for example, Ashwill et al, 2010; Bottasso, 2012; Stäblein, 2017). Migliaccio et al.: Beamlike models for the analyses of curved, twisted and tapered HAWT blades structures of this kind Analytical results and numerical examples obtained by applying the proposed modelling approach to reference beamlike structures are presented and compared with results from 3D FEM analyses (Sects. 4 and 5)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
