Structural model to study the dynamics of wind turbine blades

• Grant number: 15/11655-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2015
• End date: September 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Alfredo Gay Neto
• Grantee: Alfredo Gay Neto
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The structure of a wind turbine blade is geometrically very complex due to its aerodynamic shape. Generally, the blades are composed by an external shell and internal reinforcements. The whole system provides stiffness to the blade, in a coupled way. Even if the structure changes along distinct cross sections, the blade can be globally-represented by an equivalent beam, with variable stiffness and mass along length. One of the objectives of the present project is to develop a methodology to obtain equivalent properties to a wind turbine blade cross section. It will be used as input to a finite element beam model, representing the blade, keeping its original stiffness and mass. Additionally, we aim to develop a load-model to quantify the aerodynamic forces acting on beam elements. These are non-conservative, depending on the velocity between the blade and the air. To quantify the aerodynamic coefficients, the model will consider existing aerodynamic coefficient curves in literature. The loading will depend on the beam deformed shape, which represents a geometric nonlinearity. It will be implemented in and existing finite element code, developed by the lead researcher.By the end of the project, we expect to be able to simulate the global behavior of wind turbine blades, in operational/extreme scenarios. The model will help to predict loading transmitted from the blades to the remaining wind turbine structure. Furthermore, it would predict internal loads along the blade length. The results are contributions to analysis and design of wind turbine structures. (AU)

Scientific publications

(4)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

NETO, ALFREDO GAY; PIMENTA, PAULO DE MATTOS; MARTINS, CLOVIS DE ARRUDA. Hydrostatic Pressure Load in Pipes Modeled Using Beam Finite Elements: Theoretical Discussions and Applications. JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MECHANICS, v. 143, n. 4, APR 2017. (15/11655-3)

GAY NETO, ALFREDO. Simulation of mechanisms modeled by geometrically-exact beams using Rodrigues rotation parameters. COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS, v. 59, n. 3, p. 459-481, MAR 2017. (15/11655-3)

FACCIO JUNIOR, CELSO JACO; PEGORARO CARDOZO, ANA CAROLINA; MONTEIRO JUNIOR, VALDEMAR; NETO, ALFREDO GAY. Modeling wind turbine blades by geometrically-exact beam and shell elements: A comparative approach. ENGINEERING STRUCTURES, v. 180, p. 357-378, FEB 1 2019. (15/11655-3)

NETO, ALFREDO GAY. Dynamics of offshore risers using a geometrically-exact beam model with hydrodynamic loads and contact with the seabed. ENGINEERING STRUCTURES, v. 125, p. 438-454, OCT 15 2016. (15/11655-3)