Blade aerodynamics

Blade aerodynamics - a balance between performance and load
The design of aerodynamic blades defines the width, thickness and twist of a wind turbine blade. It is a matter of finding the best compromise between optimised air flow and blade strength. From an aerodynamic viewpoint, the perfect blade would be wide, thick and long. However, such a blade would put too much strain on the wind turbine and would also strike the tower during rotation. In other words, it would be too heavy without being rigid enough.

About aerodynamics

In-house research in applied aerodynamics
Until recently, the aerodynamics of wind turbine blades have been largely based on models and calculations from the aeronautical industry. At LM Glasfiber, however, we decided to create our own development environment in applied aerodynamics and invest in a customised wind tunnel. We have also designed a software-based tool – LM Blades – for the integrated calculation of aerodynamics and structure.

About selecting the blade profile
At the start of a blade project, our customer sends us the specifications for the wind turbine. We can use these specifications to perform initial calculations of the geometry and structure (using LM Blades), and the annual output and total load on the wind turbine. The aerodynamic design of a wind turbine blade defines its width, thickness, direction and profile. It is a matter of finding the best compromise between air flow and strength (profile and structure). The purpose is to optimise performance while minimising loads. All LM Glasfiber’s aerodynamic models and calculations are kept in our design database. This means we are able to provide our customers with preliminary designs in a very short time and to a high level of precision.

Read more about our working relationship with customers


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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Blade aerodynamics
Blade aerodynamics - a balance between performance and load The design of aerodynamic blades defines the width, thickness and twist of a wind turbine blade. It is a matter of finding the best compromise between optimised air flow and blade strength. From an aerodynamic viewpoint, the perfect blade would be wide, thick and long. However, such a blade would put too much strain on the wind turbine and would also strike the tower during rotation. In other words, it would be too heavy without being rigid enough. About aerodynamics In-house research in applied aerodynamics Until recently, the aerodynamics of wind turbine blades have been largely based on models and calculations from the aeronautical industry. At LM Glasfiber, however, we decided to create our own development environment in applied aerodynamics and invest in a customised wind tunnel. We have also designed a software-based tool – LM Blades – for the integrated calculation of aerodynamics and structure. About selecting the blade profile At the start of a blade project, our customer sends us the specifications for the wind turbine. We can use these specifications to perform initial calculations of the geometry and structure (using LM Blades), and the annual output and total load on the wind turbine. The aerodynamic design of a wind turbine blade defines its width, thickness, direction and profile. It is a matter of finding the best compromise between air flow and strength (profile and structure). The purpose is to optimise performance while minimising loads. All LM Glasfiber’s aerodynamic models and calculations are kept in our design database. This means we are able to provide our customers with preliminary designs in a very short time and to a high level of precision. Read more about our working relationship with customers ...

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......