Abstract
In this study, damage behavior of curved carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates that are important sub-structures (ribs, shear webs and spar flanges etc.) for wind turbine blades are investigated under static and fatigue loading conditions. Cross-ply curved specimen consisting of groups of three 0° and 90° layers is used for clear observation of the matrix cracking in thicker plies. Damage mechanisms and locations under static and fatigue loadings are examined. In the experiments, failure is found to initiate in the first group of 90° layers under static loading while it is found to occur in the second group of 90° layers under fatigue loading. The overall goal of the project is to contribute to development of design techniques or local reinforcement methods to increase fatigue life and durability of these curved sub-structures used in wind turbine blades.
Highlights
In airplane wings and wind turbine blades, curved corners are commonly used in the load carrying substructures such as ribs, shear webs and spar flanges
Damage behavior of curved carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates that are important sub-structures for wind turbine blades are investigated under static and fatigue loading conditions
Failure is found to initiate in the first group of 90° layers under static loading while it is found to occur in the second group of 90° layers under fatigue loading
Summary
In airplane wings and wind turbine blades, curved corners are commonly used in the load carrying substructures such as ribs, shear webs and spar flanges. For most of wind turbine blades, glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite material is used generally. Increase in the size of the blades brings greater deflection at the tip of the blades and heavier weight This situation creates the necessity of using new materials [3]. Investigation of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite material usage for wind turbine blades have increased with the performance tradeoffs [4], [5]. Cross-ply [03/903/03/903/03]s specimen with grouped 0 ̊ and 90 ̊ layers are used for experimental investigations
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