Aerodynamics specialist

We are experts in aerodynamics. It is not many years ago that the aerodynamics of wind turbine blades was based on models and calculations from the aeronautical industry. We quickly decided, however, to create our own research and development environment in applied aerodynamics. We also invested in a customized wind tunnel and designed a software-based tool that integrates calculation of aerodynamics and structure. We keep all of our aerodynamic models and calculations in a design database. This means that our specialists are able to give our customers preliminary designs in a very short time with a very high level of precision.

We use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to determine the wind force effect on a blade as it rotates. Our many specialists in this field use the results to adjust the aerodynamic design of the blade. We are always interested in getting in contact with specialists within aerodynamics, structure and design. LM Glasfiber is the blade manufacturer with one of the most extensive specialist knowledge in the world in different fields including process technology, aero-elastic calculations, aerodynamic design, structural design etc. We have and hire some of the best-qualified engineers and spend many resources on establishing and maintaining a broad body of specialist knowledge and to continuously maintain our technical expertise. LM Glasfiber develops between five and eight new blades every year. This is an advantage for our customers as it makes us extremely experienced and provides the critical mass necessary to keep developing the very best and cost effective blades.

Customised wind tunnel
At LM Glasfiber, we decided to build our own wind tunnel, focusing on 2D simulations to optimise our profiles and specially developed features. We mainly use the wind tunnel and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) for long-term development work. Our research includes making the blades more intelligent so they can adapt to operating conditions, for example by changing their profile by using different flaps or spoilers.

CFD 3D calculations are performed in the preliminary design phase in order to determine the wind flow patterns. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations can be used to determine how the wind forces affect a wind turbine blade as it rotates (i.e. in three dimensions). The results are used to adjust the aerodynamic design of the blade. At LM Glasfiber, we use CFD as a supplement to wind tunnel testing, which is used to verify the calculations.

Read more about aerodynamic testing


Welcome to LM Glasfiber - Leading skills every step of the way
LM Glasfiber is the world's leading supplier of blades for wind turbines, and the only supplier that operates on a global basis. To maintain our leading position in the development of blade technology and production methods, we rely on the exceptional know-how and responsibility of our employees all over the world.

We currently have more than 100 employees engaged exclusively in R&D work. As a result, we are the blade producer with the most extensive specialist knowledge in the world in fields that include material and process technology, aero-elastic calculations, aerodynamic design, structural design, power calculations, cross-section calculations, geometric design, testing of materials and components, testing of blades and use of 3D CAD.

We hire some of the best-qualified engineers and bring major resources to bear in building up a wide-reaching body of specialist know-how and to constantly maintain our technical expertise.

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Aerodynamics specialist
We are experts in aerodynamics. It is not many years ago that the aerodynamics of wind turbine blades was based on models and calculations from the aeronautical industry. We quickly decided, however, to create our own research and development environment in applied aerodynamics. We also invested in a customized wind tunnel and designed a software-based tool that integrates calculation of aerodynamics and structure. We keep all of our aerodynamic models and calculations in a design database. This means that our specialists are able to give our customers preliminary designs in a very short time with a very high level of precision. We use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to determine the wind force effect on a blade as it rotates. Our many specialists in this field use the results to adjust the aerodynamic design of the blade. We are always interested in getting in contact with specialists within aerodynamics, structure and design. LM Glasfiber is the blade manufacturer with one of the most extensive specialist knowledge in the world in different fields including process technology, aero-elastic calculations, aerodynamic design, structural design etc. We have and hire some of the best-qualified engineers and spend many resources on establishing and maintaining a broad body of specialist knowledge and to continuously maintain our technical expertise. LM Glasfiber develops between five and eight new blades every year. This is an advantage for our customers as it makes us extremely experienced and provides the critical mass necessary to keep developing the very best and cost effective blades. Customised wind tunnel At LM Glasfiber, we decided to build our own wind tunnel, focusing on 2D simulations to optimise our profiles and specially developed features. We mainly use the wind tunnel and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) for long-term development work. Our research includes making the blades more intelligent so they can adapt to operating conditions, for example by changing their profile by using different flaps or spoilers. CFD 3D calculations are performed in the preliminary design phase in order to determine the wind flow patterns. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations can be used to determine how the wind forces affect a wind turbine blade as it rotates (i.e. in three dimensions). The results are used to adjust the aerodynamic design of the blade. At LM Glasfiber, we use CFD as a supplement to wind tunnel testing, which is used to verify the calculations. Read more about aerodynamic testing ...

Blade design
Pre-bending - the distinguishing feature of LM blades LM blades are pre-bent, which means they flex towards the wind when mounted and are not subject to loading. LM Glasfiber developed this......