Book Introduction

Recent Advances in
Composite Materials for Wind Turbine Blades

Release date: December 20, 2013 | ISBN: 978-0-9889190-0-6 | Editor: Brahim Attaf | Publisher: The World Academic Publishing Co., Ltd

This important book provides an overview of recent research activities on the application of fibre-reinforced composite materials for the design of wind turbine blades. It involves R&D and addresses new solutions in response to the major challenges faced by the wind blade industry and those that will be encountered in the future.

Great emphasis was given to the work of scientists, researchers and industrialists who are active in the field through the dissemination of their latest scientific and technological achievements obtained by using numerical approaches and/or experimental investigations. The rich variety of contributions coming from both spaces of academia and industry were so diversified, with a high concentration on topical issues that are affecting the wind industry and related companies.

The 13 chapters comprising the book cover the following issues:
• Choice of materials exhibiting less pollution and waste: natural fibre-reinforced composites, biodegradable materials, nanocomposites (carbon nanotubes).
• Experimental and numerical characterization of materials: mechanical properties, behaviour of non-crimp fabrics, specific stiffness and strength, load-displacement relationship.
• Theoretical formulations and finite element modelling: blade geometry, stress analysis, modal analysis, fluid-structure interaction, fatigue loading, adhesive joining, drilling behaviour, thermomechanical loading, delamination.
• Experimental testing and correlation: condition monitoring, reliability, static/dynamic testing, fatigue testing, lightning strike testing.
• Manufacturing techniques and curing processes: technologies of fabrication, resin transfer moulding, automated tape lay-up, vacuum bagging and autoclave.
• Maintenance procedures, structural health monitoring and repair methods: thermography, fibre optic strain gauge, manufacturing defects, scarf repair technique.
• Life cycle analysis and methods of recycling: ISO 14040, key performance indicator.
• Procedures of qualification and certification: prototype, IEC 61400 standards, demonstration.

These innovative topics will strengthen the capacity of wind energy systems and will open up great perspectives for the development of large scale blades for on- and off-shore applications. In addition, the variety of the book chapters will offer readers access to global studies of research & innovation, technology transfer and will, in the same time, help designers and manufacturers to increase their competitiveness and innovation productivity, which will boost the energy efficiency strategy for 2020 and the longer term.