Large-scale fatigue testing of a retrofitted 3^rd shear web in a 34m wind turbine blade section

Abstract

Utilizing a fatigue-rated multi-axial strong-floor based test rig, the effect of a retro-fitted fish-mouth third shear-web geometry detail located within the double-curved trailing edge sandwich panels are evaluated in an inner 15m root section from a 34m wind turbine blade manufactured by SSP Technology. From previous research, a load configuration is identified, capable of triggering the breathing/pumping deformations in the trailing edge panels within the root and transition zone, which will drive the propagation on the shear-web disbonding mechanism. Investigation and evaluation of the shear web disbonding and associated mitigation are acquired through strain gauges, wire potentiometer and digital image correlation (DIC) measurements inside the root section.