Structure

A jigsaw puzzle

When designing the structure of a blade, the aim is to optimise the price/performance ratio while ensuring that the finished product is sufficiently rigid and reliable.

The structure consists of the building blocks for the wind turbine blade and where they are located. The structural plan therefore determines the optimum positions of the different types of fibre mat and core materials. It is a jigsaw puzzle in which the most appropriate materials are used as effectively as possible in the right places. When the elements are combined into a single unit, the weight is minimised and consequently also the blade stresses to which the wind turbine is subjected, while keeping the cost of materials down. More about pre-bending, and its influence on the blade structure and rigidity requirements

Core competence

Over time, LM Glasfiber has developed a large number of blades, and combined with our wide-ranging research into materials, this means we have solid expertise and documented results.

Structural calculations with LM Blades

The integrated calculations of aerodynamics and structure are based on the maximum static and dynamic loads of the turbine components. Taking these loads as premises, the geometry of the blade is established first, followed by the structure. The purpose is to achieve the desired strength and rigidity in the blade, while keeping the usage and weight of materials to a minimum.
More about LM Blades

Supporting structure in the shells

Our blade concept is based on self-supporting shells, which means that static strain calculations are particularly important. Bulging is critical to the reliability of the blade, because the pressure side will collapse in the presence of bulging. We use FEM (Finite Element) analysis to calculate the risk of bulging. LM Glasfiber has a great deal of experience in making such calculations, and LM Blades is used for more efficient, automatic data entry. The results are verified by static testing at all levels.