Structural Optimization of Composite Wind Turbine Blades Using Finite Element Modelling to Enhance the Performance Efficiency using Signal-Based Technique

Abstract The present study investigates the structural behaviour of glass and basalt fiber-reinforced epoxy composites for wind turbine blades using FEA and acoustic emission (AE)-based non-destructive testing. In addition, it focuses on improving failure mode identification and classification to enhance the structural efficiency of composite structures. FEA is used to evaluate variations in internal structural geometry parameters as well as the Von Mises stress distribution across the blades' pressure and suction sides from root to tip. It focuses on crucial aspects such as stress distribution, damage behaviour, and deformations, which are essential considerations for optimizing the design and ensuring the durability of wind turbine blades. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites have been investigated experimentally. The results showed that glass fiber composite structures produced higher structural properties than basalt fiber composites utilized for producing wind blades. A signal-based AE technique is employed to detect and classify failure modes, including matrix cracking, fiber–matrix debonding, and fiber delamination (crack propagation), which are subsequently validated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).