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Abstract

Beam finite-element (FE) models have been instrumental in the predictive simulation of wind turbine blades. However, modern blades are challenging conventional design assumptions and analysis tools, due to large, non-linear deflections and the uptake of traditionally unexploited stiffness coupling coefficients.
More specifically, optimised turbine designs are featuring blades with greater radii and increased
compliance [1], thus deflections at ultimate loading are well within the non-linear elastic region and are incorrectly predicted by linear models [2]. In addition, such designs are exploring the benefits of aeroelastic tailoring either through geometric or material bend-twist coupling—hence accurate prediction of blade
loads in response to small changes in the twist of aerofoil sections, and vice versa, is imperative.

In this work, high-order finite beam elements [3], in both a linear and co-rotational non-linear
framework, are used to simulate the static test loading of an existing 7 MW wind turbine blade. The blade is an 83.5m swept blade [4], providing a good test case for predicting non-linear, coupled deflections. Additionally, a study into the convergence of high-order beam elements is presented to illustrate the
benefits that they provide for modelling of modern blade structures.

This study highlights the necessity of non-linear beams in accurately predicting deflections of modern wind turbine blades, as a linear beam severely underpredicts deflections in an ultimate loading scenario (i.e. linear beam tip deflection 9% lower than non-linear for flapwise load case). Additional findings from the convergence study illustrate that high-order beam elements result in converged beam states (e.g. coupled beam deflections and modal frequencies) with far fewer nodes than conventional two-node
elements. Given the large number of two-node elements required for convergence of this particular blade (Figure 1—121 nodes with 120 two-node elements vs 61 nodes with 30 three-node elements), it is clear that high-order beam elements can improve the computational efficiency of aero-elastic simulations. Furthermore, in an optimisation setting, the number of conventional two-node elements required for accurate structural modelling of large, tailored blades may even tend toward the impractical.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jun 2019
EventWind Energy Science Conference 2019 - University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
Duration: 17 Jun 201920 Jun 2019
https://www.wesc2019.org/

Conference

ConferenceWind Energy Science Conference 2019
Abbreviated titleWESC2019
Country/TerritoryIreland
CityCork
Period17/06/1920/06/19
Internet address

Research Groups and Themes

  • Bristol Composites Institute ACCIS

Keywords

  • wind turbine blade
  • non-linear
  • finite element
  • higher order

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