journal article·2018-08Open access

A Finite Element and Experimental Analysis of Composite T-Joints Used in Wind Turbine Blades

Y. Wang, C. Soutis

Applied Composite Materials· Volume 25· Issue 4

Abstract

In this study, a finite element failure model was created using ABAQUS to determine the location where delamination is initiated and its subsequent propagation. The effect of fibre-reinforced structures on delamination behaviour was studied. The composite T-joints were made of glass fabric infused with epoxy resin using a vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding technique. The veil layer and 3D weave techniques were employed to improve the properties in the through-thickness direction that can delay or prevent delamination when in service. All the pull-out tensile tests were conducted in an Instron testing machine using a specially designed test fixture. The 3D weave T-joints were found to have improved performance under both static and fatigue loading. Increasing the static properties increases fatigue life performance. The location for the through-thickness reinforcement plays an important role in extending fatigue life of the T-joints.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Mechanical Behavior of Composites · Structural Load-Bearing Analysis · Mechanical Engineering and Vibrations Research

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