Quantifying the accuracy of different modelling techniques and element types to predict the structural performance of the DTU 12.6m wind turbine blade
Topic(s) : Material and Structural Behavior - Simulation & Testing
Co-authors :
Philipp Ulrich HASELBACH (DENMARK), Peter BERRING , Anastasiia LARIONOVA (DENMARK), Sergei SEMENOV , Mohammad HEDAYATZADEH (DENMARK), Kim BRANNERAbstract :
Composite materials have gained widespread use in various engineering applications due to their unique combination of lightweight, high-strength, and tailored properties. The accurate prediction of the mechanical behaviour of composite structures is essential for ensuring their structural integrity and optimal performance. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a widely employed numerical method for simulating the mechanical response of composite structures. However, the choice of finite element type significantly influences the accuracy and reliability of predictions.
This study investigates the impact of different finite element types on the prediction reliability of composite structures. The analysis encompasses various modelling techniques and investigates element types to determine the accuracy of predicting the structural performance of the DTU 12.6m wind turbine blade.
Three distinct finite element formulations, namely shell elements, solid elements, and layered elements, are compared in terms of their ability to capture the intricate behaviour of the DTU 12.6m wind turbine blade at full scale and to predict its structural response under various loading conditions. The study focuses on quantifying the accuracy of different modelling techniques and element types to predict the blade’s displacement and the ability to calculate its torsional performance numerically.
The research employs a comprehensive validation approach, including experimental testing and benchmarking against analytical solutions, to assess the accuracy of predictions obtained with each finite element type. For this purpose, the wind turbine blade has been numerically and experimentally exposed to flapwise, edgewise, torsional, and a combined flapwise-torsional load case. Factors such as mesh density, element size, and interlaminar shear effects are systematically investigated to identify the sensitivity of each finite element type to modelling parameters. The study also considers each finite element formulation's computational efficiency and resource requirements to provide a holistic understanding of their practical applicability.
The comparison reveals limitations in capturing the wind turbine blade’s torsional behaviour using shell elements, while solid elements perform well. The findings of this research contribute valuable insights into selecting appropriate finite element types for accurate and reliable predictions of composite structure behaviour commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering applications. Engineers and researchers can use this knowledge to enhance the fidelity of numerical simulations, ultimately leading to improved design and analysis methodologies for composite structures across diverse engineering domains.
This study investigates the impact of different finite element types on the prediction reliability of composite structures. The analysis encompasses various modelling techniques and investigates element types to determine the accuracy of predicting the structural performance of the DTU 12.6m wind turbine blade.
Three distinct finite element formulations, namely shell elements, solid elements, and layered elements, are compared in terms of their ability to capture the intricate behaviour of the DTU 12.6m wind turbine blade at full scale and to predict its structural response under various loading conditions. The study focuses on quantifying the accuracy of different modelling techniques and element types to predict the blade’s displacement and the ability to calculate its torsional performance numerically.
The research employs a comprehensive validation approach, including experimental testing and benchmarking against analytical solutions, to assess the accuracy of predictions obtained with each finite element type. For this purpose, the wind turbine blade has been numerically and experimentally exposed to flapwise, edgewise, torsional, and a combined flapwise-torsional load case. Factors such as mesh density, element size, and interlaminar shear effects are systematically investigated to identify the sensitivity of each finite element type to modelling parameters. The study also considers each finite element formulation's computational efficiency and resource requirements to provide a holistic understanding of their practical applicability.
The comparison reveals limitations in capturing the wind turbine blade’s torsional behaviour using shell elements, while solid elements perform well. The findings of this research contribute valuable insights into selecting appropriate finite element types for accurate and reliable predictions of composite structure behaviour commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering applications. Engineers and researchers can use this knowledge to enhance the fidelity of numerical simulations, ultimately leading to improved design and analysis methodologies for composite structures across diverse engineering domains.