Stress analysis of shape memory alloys used in wind turbine blade root connection

In this work, the analysis is done on a blade of length 66.5cm which is designed for AIR X- 400W horizontal axis wind turbine. 4140 steel, Ni-Ti, Cu-Zn-Al and Cu-Al-Ni are used in blade root connection. Stress analysis was performed from 5 m/s to 60 m/s of wind speeds. The stresses in the wind blade are determined using the finite element method with ANSYS in which the skin and the core of the blade are modeled using solid elements, respectively. As a result of the analysis; the maximum total deformation was observed in blade root connection is Cu-Zn-Al. Generally total deformation values appeared close to each other. For parking state; the equivalent (von-Mises) stress values were smaller than the yield strength for each materials. The results for all materials released in the elastic region. For rotating state; the minimum total deformation was observed in blade root connection is Ni-Ti. Eguivalent (von-Mises) stress values were compared with yield stress parameter and the plastic deformation occurred in 4140 steel, Cu-Zn-Al and Cu-Al-Ni were used blade root connections. The plastic deformation was not observed in Ni-Ti that is used blade root connection. Results are examined in that Ni-Ti is the most appropriate material for blade root connection was concluded. © Sila Science.