Erosion Mapping of Coated Composites: Simulating Conditions for Tidal Turbines Blades

Abstract

The tribological mechanisms of potential composite materials that could be used in tidal turbines considered the effects of various erosion parameters on the degradation modes, both with and without particles, in still and seawater conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of a specialised epoxy erosion-resistant coating for glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) in resisting the impact of slurry erosion. Slurry erosion is a process by which solid particles suspended in a fluid medium impinge on a surface, causing material loss due to repeated impacts. The coating efficacy was evaluated through a series of tests, including three different speeds and six different impinging angles and the results were used to generate tidal turbine maps. The study provided insights into the durability and of the epoxy and potential use of the coating in tidal turbine blade industries where resistance to erosion is crucial for long-term performance and safety.