| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2022 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Biological Materials Science
|
| Presentation Title |
K-11: Impact Resistance for Wind Energy Blades Using Biomimetic Helicoidal Structure |
| Author(s) |
Paige Romero, Robin James, David Kisailus, Naresh Kakur |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Naresh Kakur |
| Abstract Scope |
The blades of the wind turbine’s rotor are the key components to capture the wind energy and to transform it into electricity. To capture the maximum annual electricity production (AEP) of a wind turbine, manufacturers expose them to harsh environments with extreme conditions. Impacts, erosion, delamination, UV exposure, hot/cold temperatures, lighting strikes, ice, hailstones, etc. all reduce the overall aerodynamical efficiency of the rotor. Changing the rotor blades to the helicoid architecture achieves a significant weight reduction which allows increased blade size and results in a reduced leveraged cost of energy. Ultra-strong composite architecture enhances performance of all parts designed for toughness and impact resistance while achieving weight savings. The anti-impact design of composite laminates is bioinspired from the helicoidal structure, a process that forms naturally in in the shells of mantis shrimp crustaceans. They have been found to be able to bear higher loads than conventional laminate configurations. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Composites, Biomaterials, Mechanical Properties |