Complex damage mechanisms and roughness evolution of wind turbine blade surface: Multiphysics and stochastic effect modelling

Abstract

Abstract Leading edge erosion of wind turbine blades is the most often observed damage mechanism of wind turbines. The surface erosion of blades is influenced by many multiphysics and stochastic factors including humidity and related degradation processes, rough uneven surface and roughness development, random defects in the materials. In this paper, the effects of these factors and possibilities of their computational modelling and prediction are discussed. Competing damage mechanisms in erosion, including debonding and impact damage, as well moisture ingress and weathering are investigated. A predictive model for roughness evolution of leading edge due to the surface damage is presented.