journal article·2025-12-18Open access

Interfacial Evaluation of Wind Blade Carbon Spar-Cap Depending on Elimination Method of Intermediate Medium

Jeong-Wan Park, Ha-Seung Park, Pyeong-Su Shin, Ki-Weon Kang, Sang-Il Lee

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 24

Abstract

An Ultrasonic Test (UT), a type of non-destructive test, is used to inspect the manufacturing integrity of carbon spar-caps of wind blades. When performing a UT, an intermediate medium is used to improve the signal detection ability between the inspection target and the probe. However, if the intermediate-medium residue is not removed, it acts as a contaminant in the interface between the spar-cap and the blade skin. This has a negative effect on the adhesion characteristics. A quantitative method is required for removing the intermediate medium and peel ply after the UT. After the UT, the interfacial characteristics of the spar-cap surface are examined according to the method of removing the intermediate medium in this study. The static contact angle and the work of adhesion (Wa) were measured according to various surface treatment conditions. In addition, shear strength of the Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) spar-cap was evaluated by the lap shear test. An optimized method of peel-ply removal combined with an intermediate medium was found in this study. An optimal guideline for intermediate-medium treatment could be proposed when evaluating the manufacturing integrity of real wind blade spar-caps using UT.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Mechanical Behavior of Composites · Icing and De-icing Technologies · Wind Energy Research and Development

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehak-ro, Miryong-dong, Gunsan 54150, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea

Department of Wind Energy, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehak-ro, Miryong-dong, Gunsan 54150, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea

Defense and Safety Protection Reliability Assessment Center, Korea Institute of Convergence Textile, Iksan 54588, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea

Funding

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

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