Abstract
In this work, shape memory alloy wires are modeled and included in the model of a wind turbine blade, in order to numerically study their effect on blade vibrations under operating conditions. The blade is modeled using finite elements considering flapwise, edgewise, and torsional motion subjected to the effects of rotation and to a normal wind profile. The shape memory alloy wires are modeled in the super-elastic phase, thus presenting a hysteresis loop as a function of strain and ambient temperature. Such a hysteretic behavior of the shape memory alloy material adds damping to the structure that it is attached to. The numerical results show that inserting shape memory alloy wires in the wind turbine blade presents drawbacks, because the excitation level of the normal wind profile is not big enough for the blade to present significant strain. Hence, the hysteresis loops in the shape memory alloy material mounted on the blade have small areas which, consequently, reduce the amount of damping added to the blade. Besides, the added damping is restricted to the upper 30% of the blade (area of higher strain in the blade).
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