A numerical study for the buckling capacity of wind turbine blades: Geometry, loading and material influence

Abstract

In this paper the composite load-carrying support structure of wind turbine blades is investigated. The buckling behavior of wind turbine blades is studied numerically by using the finite element method, as experimental experience shows that local buckling is a major failure mode that dominantly influences the total collapse of the blade. Significant advantages are derived from the combination of different fiber-reinforced polymers in hybrid material structures, but also from kevlar-fiber blades.