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Research Article
Updating Finite Element Model of a Wind Turbine Blade Section
Using Experimental Modal Analysis Results
Marcin Luczak,1 Simone Manzato,2 Bart Peeters,2 Kim Branner,3
Peter Berring,3 and Maciej Kahsin4
1
1. Introduction
Wind turbine blades must be designed to resist the extreme
load cases and fatigue loads from normal operation. Sudden
wind gusts are often too quick for the active pitch control
system to react and may shorten the fatigue life substantially.
This problem may be overcome by an aeroelastic tailoring
of the blades. Particular implementation of the anisotropic
composite material can introduce the bend-twist coupling
in the blade [14]. In [5] a new beam element, which
is able to take the behavior of anisotropic materials into
account, is developed and implemented into the aeroelastic
code HAWC2. This makes it possible to simulate wind
turbines with structural couplings in the blades. The coupling
causes the feathering blade to twist under the bending load
and as a result decreases the angle of attack. The original
wind turbine blade section made of composite material
Figure 1: Experimental set-up showing the wind turbine blade section mounted on the test rig with the coordinate system.
Table 1: Basic information about geometry and material properties used for modeling of supporting structure.
Geometry [mm]
E modulus [GPa]
Density [kg/m3 ]
Poissons Ratio
Pipes
Inner radius 170 Outer radius 160
200
7890
0.3
C-Shapes
Standard UPN 200
200
7890
0.3
I-Shapes
Two bolted standard UPN 200
200
7890
0.3
Plywood
Thickness 180
13.2
736
0.01
g/N (dB)
50.00
50.00
0.00
130.00
(Hz)
F
F
F
F
Figure 2: Linearity check for one of the points on the blade. Voltage
values = 0.5 V, 1 V, 1, 5 V, and 2 V.
1.00
Amplitude
0.81
0.00
130.00
(Hz)
F
F
Coherence Drvp:1:+X/Multiple
Coherence Drvp:2:Y/Multiple
Y Z
X
Y
Mode 4: 19.2468 Hz, 0.26%
Z
X
Y
Mode 12: 57.2933 Hz, 1.06%
Figure 4: Estimated experimental mode shapes of the modified blade section and support structure.
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
(Hz)
0.7
0.9
0.8
>1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
<0
4.5
8.4
12.1
19.2
28.7
31.4
33.3
40.9
43.8
45.4
55.7
57.3
59.5
<0
59.5
57.3
55.7
45.4
43.8
40.9
33.3
31.4
28.7
19.2
12.1
8.4
4.5
4.5
8.4
12.1
19.2
28.7
31.4
33.3
40.9
43.8
45.4
55.7
57.3
59.5
(Hz)
59.5
57.3
55.7
45.4
43.8
40.9
33.3
31.4
28.7
19.2
12.1
8.4
4.5
(Hz)
(Hz)
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
>1
<0
4.5
8.4
12.1
19.2
28.7
31.4
33.3
40.9
43.8
45.4
55.7
57.3
59.5
(Hz)
59.5
57.3
55.7
45.4
43.8
40.9
33.3
31.4
28.7
19.2
12.1
8.4
4.5
(Hz)
Figure 5: AutoMAC matrices for experimental modal models with sensors only on the modified blade section (a), support structure (b), and
blade section with support structure (c).
Y Z
Figure 6: FE model of the blade section clamped to the support structure. Yellow bulbs denote test and FE geometry correlation node
mapping.
0.9
Id 642.2
0.8
0.7
Id 539.6
0.6
0.5
Id 436.3
0.4
Id 317.2
0.3
0.2
Id 210.5
0.1
Id 14.2
>1
Id 849.8
Id 1257.3
Id 943.8
Id 840.9
Id 733.3
Id 419.2
Id 28.4
Id 84.5
<0
Figure 7: MAC matrix for test and FE simulation modal vectors of modified blade without support structure.
FE
Freq. 1
Freq. 2
MAC value
4.2
10.5
17.2
36.3
42.2
39.6
49.8
0.636
0.94
0.963
0.503
0.76
0.479
0.857
4.5
8.4
19.2
33.3
40.9
43.8
57.3
5.4
24.9
10.5
9.1
3.3
9.6
13.1
7
Matrix Graph1 (mode frequency sensitivity)
>6.25
5
3.75
2.5
1.25
0
1.25
2.5
Mode 1
X (K1)-C Bush. 73
Y (K2)-I Bush. 75
Property matrix. 38
Property matrix. 44
Property matrix. 54
Property matrix. 59
Property matrix. 63
Property matrix. 67
Mass density (RHO). 3
Poissons ratio (NU). 5
Youngs modulus (E). 7
(K1)-Pipe Bush. 71
Poissons s ratio (NU). 14
Youngs modulus (E). 19
Mode 4
Y -axis
Mode 3
Mode 7
Discret
e values
Mode 5
Mode 11
Mode 9
4
6.25
6.25
3.75
5
<6.25
Figure 8: Frequency sensitivity matrix graphically presenting normalized magnitude of the impact of selected design variables (inputs) on
the modes frequencies of interest (outputs).
Initial
I Bush K1
Steel pipes E
2.96 7
2.09 11
Steel E
MAT9 7 G13
MAT9 7 G14
1.99 11
2.49 10
1.57 10
MAT9 7 G24
MAT9 7 G34
7.32 9
6.85 9
MAT9 8 G56
2.65 8
Figure 9: Mountings of supporting structure modeled with steel pipes, steel, and bushing properties.
2e + 11
E
Steel
1.7e + 11
1.995e + 11
1.99e + 11
1.985e + 11
1.98e + 11
1.8e + 11
Steel
Pipe
s
1.9e + 11
2e + 11
39.8
2.1e + 11
39.6
39.8
39.6
39
38.8
39.4
39.2
38.6
39
38.4
38.2
38.6
38.4
38
37.8
37.6
38.2
38
37.4
37.8
37.2
37.6
37
36.8
37.4
37.2
36.6
frequency
38.8
7th mode
7th mode
frequency
39.4
39.2
37
36.8
1.7e + 11
36.6
1.8e + 11
Stee
l
1.9e + 11
Pipe
sE
2e + 11
2e + 11
1.995e + 11
1.99e + 11
E
1.985e + 11
Steel
2.1e + 11
1.98e + 11
Figure 10: Example of 3D scatter plot of two inputs (factors) impact on the output (response) 7th mode frequency.
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
41.8
41.9
42
42.1
42.2
42.3
Steel E
C
1.995e + 11 2e + 11
1.99e + 11
bu
8.5e + 07
1.985e + 11
sin
1.98ee + 11
Y3
8e + 077
7.5e +
26.016
07
26.014
26.012
7e + 07
26.010
26.008
26.006
26.016
26.004
26.014
26.002
26.012
26
26.010
25.998
26.008
25.996
26.006
25.994
26.004
25.992
26.002
25.99
26
25.988
25.998
25.986
25.996
25.994
25.992
25.99
8.5e + 07
25.988
25.986
8e + 07
C
bu
2e + 11
sin 7.5e + 07
1.995e
1 995 + 11
1
Y3
1.99e + 11
1.985e + 11
7e + 07 1.98e + 11
Steel E
5th modefrequen
cy
5th modefreq
uency
1.995e + 11 2e + 11
Steel E
8.5e + 07
C
bu
1.985e + 11 1.99e + 11
sin
1.98ee + 11
8e + 07
Y3
17.8320
7.5e + 07
17.8319
17.8318
7e + 07
17.8317
17.8316
17.8315
17.832
17.8314
17.83190
17.8313
17.8318
17.8312
17.8317
17.8311
17.8316
17.8310
17.8315
17.8309
17.8314
17.8308
17.8313
17.8307
17.8312
17.8306
17.8311
17.8305
17.831
17.83090
17.8308
17.8307
8.5e + 07
17.8306
17.8305
C 8e + 07
bu
sin
2e + 11
7.5e
+
07
7
5
Y3
1.995e + 11
1.99e + 11
1.985e + 11
7e + 07
1.98e + 11
Steel E
Steel E
1.995e + 11 2e + 11
1.985e + 11 1.99e + 11
8.5e + 07
1.98e + 11
8e + 07
38.96
7.5 e + 07
38.92
7e + 07
38.88
38.84
38.96
38.80
38.92
38.76
38.88
38.72
38.84
38.68
38.80
38.64
38.76
38.6
38.72
38.56
38.68
38.52
38.64
38.6
8.5e + 07
38.56
8e + 07
38.52
7.5e + 077
1.985e + 11
7e + 07
1.98e + 11
(b)
(a)
2e + 11
1.995e + 11
1.99e + 11
Steel E
(c)
Figure 12: Quadratic response surface models 3D perspective plot for the same input variables and (a) 4th mode, (b) 5th mode, and (c) 7th
mode frequency.
10
0.9
FEA modes set (Hz)
Id 942.1
0.8
0.7
Id 738.8
0.6
Id 526.0
0.5
0.4
Id 417.8
0.3
Id 310.2
0.2
0.1
Id 14.4
>1
Id 1150.3
Id 1257.3
Id 943.8
Id 840.9
Id 733.3
Id 419.2
Id 28.4
Id 14.5
<0
Figure 13: MAC matrix, test versus updated FE model of the blade with flexible support.
Final
3.289 7
1.9 11
2.0 11
1.122 10
1.424 10
6.644 9
6.225 9
2.413 8
5. Conclusions
Histogram of 9th mode frequency shows the results
distribution is almost symmetric with most of the results
located in the proximity of nominal value. Data is not skewed
nor contains outliers and the distribution is moderate tailed
the number of runs is dying off out in the tails of the
histogram.
4.3. Response Surface Model. Based on design of experiment,
response surface method was computed using polynomial
model of several factors, including terms for quadratic crossproducts displayed in Figure 12.
The RSM methodology allows for further processing
of the DOE results. 3D graphs are plotted based on the
available design variables contributions. The inherent trend
of the factor-response multidimensional relationship was
computed for selected inputs applying Taylor polynomial.
Statistical model allows to approximate data and correctly
predicts the response without lengthy and costly simulation
runs.
Based on the analysis of the RSM model the values of the
FE model parameters (factors/inputs) were selected (Table 4).
This paper presents some results and aspects of the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research oriented for the
numerical study in updating of the finite element model
of a wind turbine blade section using experimental modal
analysis results.
Experimental test data examples were shown and used for
two purposes: firstly to evaluate the influence of the flexible
support structure onto measurement results of the bend-twist
coupled blade section and secondly to use the test results
for FE models updating. The common observation from displayed investigations is that the blade section model accuracy
strongly depends on the boundary conditions represented in
the model. Simple approaches based on constraining degrees
of freedom led to discrepancies in between experimental and
numerical results. Presented research introduced complex
parametric model of the flexible support structure which
led to more realistic structural behavior of the objectsupport system. In detail the plywood plates and steel profiles
were included and contact elements were applied to model
the contact between the clamps and the blade section. As
expected that the more sophisticated support structure FE
11
Table 5: Final consistency of the modal model parameters.
Final WT blade (versus initial)
TEST
FE
Freq. 1
Freq. 2
MAC value
Freq. 2Freq.
1 (Hz)
Freq. 2Freq. 1
(% of Freq. 1)
4.4
10.2
17.8
26
38.8
42.1
50.3
0.634 (0.636)
0.942 (0.94)
0.962 (0.963)
0.722 (0.503)
0.602 (0.76)
0.538 (0.479)
0.802 (0.857)
0.1 (0.24)
1.73 (2.1)
1.41 (2.03)
7.3 (3.02)
2.11 (1.33)
1.72 (4.2)
7.03 (7.5)
2.2 (5.4)
20.6 (24.9)
7.3 (10.5)
21.9 (9.1)
5.2 (3.3)
3.9 (9.6)
12.3 (13.1)
4.5
8.4
19.2
33.3
40.9
43.8
57.3
Conflict of Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
regarding the publication of this paper.
Acknowledgments
Vestas Wind Systems A/S has provided and modified the
blade sections presented in this study. The work is partly
supported by the Danish Energy Authority through the 2007
Energy Research Programme (EFP 2007). The supported
EFP-Project is titled Anisotropic beam model for analysis and design of passive controlled wind turbine blades
and has journal no. 33033-0075. The support is gratefully
acknowledged and highly appreciated. Authors would like
to acknowledge the assistance of Mr. Philipp Haselbach.
Research presented in Section 5 was conducted in the context of the FP7 project STA-DY-WI-CO Ref. no. 251309,
IMESCON Ref. no. 264672, and MARE-WINT Ref. no.
309395. Computations were performed on a 50Tflop cluster
in TASK Academic Computer Centre in Gdansk, Poland. This
research was supported in part by PL-Grid Infrastructure.
References
[1] C. Ong and S. W. Tsai, Design, Manufacture and Testing of a
Bend-Twist D-spar, Sandia National Laboratories, SAND, 1999.
[2] D. W. Lobitz, P. S. Veers, and G. R. Eisler, The use of twistedcoupled blades to enhance the performance of horizontal axis
wind turbines, Sandia National Laboratories SAND01-1303,
Sandia National Laboratories, 2001.
[3] J. Locke and I. C. Hildago, The Implementation of Braided
Composite Materials in the Design of a Bend-Twist Coupled
Blade, Sandia National Laboratories, SAND02-2425, Sandia
National Laboratories, 2002.
12
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