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Verification and Validation of Euler-Bernoulli Beam Theory Model for Wind Blade Structure Analysis
Abstract
This dissertation aims to develop a simplified computational tool for analyzing the structural response of wind turbine blades using advanced beam theory, the Euler-Bernoulli Beam theory. The objective is to achieve faster computation of blade structural response under aerodynamic loading while maintaining sufficient accuracy. The research involves the development of a Python-based computer program as a numerical tool, which takes inputs such as blade geometry and aerodynamic loading from Blade Element Momentum theory computation. The program outputs axially varying moments of inertia, spatial deflections of the blade, and stress distribution along the blade. The numerical tool is validated by comparing the results with analytical solutions and commercial codes, a Finite Element Method solver.
One of the key contributions of this research is the polygon algorithm, which efficiently calculates the moments of inertia of cambered turbine blades. This algorithm significantly reduces computational time while maintaining accuracy. The study confirms that the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, when combined with the polygon algorithm, is suitable for predicting the structural response of the structural responses of cambered wind turbine blades during the initial design phase. The percentage of error between the generalized Euler-Bernoulli model and the more computationally intensive finite element algorithm is reported to be between 0 to 5% at the blade tip for various loading conditions.
The research primarily aims to utilize the classical beam theory so that engineers can perform initial wind turbine blade structural analysis efficiently, evaluating deflection, stress, strain, under varying wind load. The finding of the study indicates that the simplified Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, being an open-source approach, offers a substantial reduction design time compared to commercial software like ANSYS, which requires licensing.
Citation
Fudlailah, Pratiwi (2023). Verification and Validation of Euler-Bernoulli Beam Theory Model for Wind Blade Structure Analysis. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /199946.