Abstract
Quasi-unidirectional glass fibre non crimp fabric composites are routinely used in wind energy applications. An important factor to consider in this type of application is the fatigue behaviour of the materials. The present paper gives an overview of the current approach to material fatigue testing and design in the wind energy industry, as well as a review of available material data for the fatigue of unidirectional glass fibre composites. Both “pure” unidirectional and quasi-unidirectional (NCF-based) materials are considered.
Highlights
Under the impulse of renewable and sustainable energy considerations, the global wind energy industry has seen a remarkable expansion over the past few decades
This paper is intended as a review, giving an overview of general design requirements for wind turbine blades, as well as the current approach to material fatigue testing in the wind energy industry
The data points indicated with open markers show the fatigue life results for two types of unidirectional composites based on quasi-UD Non crimp fabrics (NCF)
Summary
Under the impulse of renewable and sustainable energy considerations, the global wind energy industry has seen a remarkable expansion over the past few decades. Since an important requirement for wind turbines is durability, they are usually produced from strong and fatigue-resistant materials. Non crimp fabrics (NCF) are the most used textile type. These consist of unidirectional (UD) fibre layers that are stitched together with a thin yarn The stitching process introduces artefacts that can influence the final properties of the material These artefacts are dependent on the textile production parameters and as such, the latter may indirectly influence the behaviour of the produced composites. This paper is intended as a review, giving an overview of general design requirements for wind turbine blades, as well as the current approach to material fatigue testing in the wind energy industry. Of existing relevant fatigue data for unidirectional glass fibre composites, including NCF based composites, is provided
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