Modal Testing for Validation of Blade Models

Abstract

The focus of this paper is a test program designed for wind turbine blades. Model validation is a comprehensive undertaking which requires carefully designing and executing experiments, proposing appropriate physics-based models, and applying correlation techniques to improve these models based on the test data. Structural models are useful for making decisions when designing a new blade or assessing blade performance, and the process of model validation is needed to ensure the quality of these models. Blade modal testing is essential for validation of blade structural models, and this report discusses modal test techniques required to achieve validation. Choices made in the design of a modal test can significantly affect the final test result. This study aims to demonstrate the importance of the proper pre-test design and test technique for validating blade structural models.