Implementation of bending-torsion coupling in the design of a wind-turbine rotor-blade

An investigation is performed on the implementation of bending-torsion coupling of a composite wind turbine rotor blade to provide passive pitch-control. Limited passive torsion deformation is realised with a structural coupling between flapwise bending and elastic twist of a constant speed rotor-blade. The blade and skin laminate configuration are analysed with a FEM program, in which a complete blade with spar webs is modelled. This conventional blade configuration has some disadvantages. Therefore alternative design concepts are reviewed, where the coupling plies are restricted to a load-bearing spar, while a softer skin provides for the aerodynamic shape. From additional analysis, it is found that, while for the two alternative design concepts the stress concentrations at the leading edge joint are bypassed, the bending-torsion coupling response is lower. An experiment was performed to validate the calculation methods. The experimental results show good correlation with theoretical predictions. It is recommended to investigate further the fatigue life properties of a glass/carbon hybrid FRP with off-axis fibre orientations. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.