Fluid–Structure Interaction Analysis of Aerodynamic Characteristics and Structural Response of a 5 MW Wind Turbine Blade under Extreme Wind Speed

Under extreme wind conditions, the aerodynamic loads experienced by wind turbine blades and their structural responses differ significantly from those under rated wind speeds, exhibiting pronounced instabilities in both aerodynamic and structural behaviors. Therefore, an in-depth analysis of the aerodynamic characteristics and structural responses of wind turbine blades at extreme wind speeds is essential for ensuring the safety and operational reliability of wind turbine systems. In this study, a combined CFD–FEA approach is employed, with detailed consideration of the composite material layup configuration. A one-way fluid–structure coupling method is adopted to investigate the aerodynamic and structural characteristics of wind turbine blades under extreme wind conditions. The analyses are conducted using the commercial software ANSYS. The aerodynamic performance is examined under conditions where the wind speed exceeds the cut-out threshold and the rotor operates in a free-wheeling feathered state. After the aerodynamic analysis, the structural analysis was carried out by importing the aerodynamic loads into the structural module. The combined effects of aerodynamic loads and gravitational loads on blade deformation and equivalent stress were further investigated.