Numerical Study on the Static Bending Response of Cracked Wind Turbine Blades Reinforced with Graphene Platelets

With the growing demand for wind energy, the development of advanced materials for wind turbine support structures and blades has garnered significant attention in both industry and academia. In previous research, the authors investigated the incorporation of graphene platelets (GPLs) into wind turbine blades, focusing on the structural performance and cost-effectiveness relative to conventional fiberglass composites. These studies successfully demonstrated the potential advantages of GPL reinforcement in improving blade performance and reducing the blade's weight and costs. Building upon prior work, the present study conducts a detailed investigation into the static bending behavior of GPL-reinforced wind turbine blades, specifically examining the impact of crack location and length. A finite element model of the SNL 61.5 m wind turbine blade was rigorously developed and validated through comparison with the existing literature to ensure its accuracy. Comprehensive parametric analyses were performed to assess deflection under various crack lengths and positions, considering both flapwise and edgewise bending deformations. The findings indicate that GPL-reinforced blades exhibit reduced sensitivity to crack propagation compared to traditional fiberglass blades. Furthermore, the paper presents a thorough parametric analysis of the effects of crack location and length on blade performance.