Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Composite Wind Turbine Blades using Lamination and Equivalent Beam Theory

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Andres Lopez-Lopez 1
Rocio M. Sánchez-Albores 2
Perla Y. Sevilla-Camacho 3 , 4
Héctor H. Torres-Ventura 2
Juvenal Rodríguez-Resendíz 5
José B. Robles-Ocampo 3 , 6
1 Centro de Investigación, Innovación y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Universidad del Valle de México,Av. Marina Nacional 500, Anáhuac I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, 11320, México
2 Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas (UNACH), Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, Chiapas, CP 29140, México
3 Cuerpo Académico de Energía y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Politécnica de Chiapas, Suchiapa 29150, México
4 Programa Académico de Ingeniería Mecatrónica, Universidad Politécnica de Chiapas, Suchiapa 29150, México
5 Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas, Las Campanas, Querétaro C.P. 76010, México
6 Programa Académico de Ingeniería en Manufactura Avanzada, Universidad Politécnica de Chiapas, Suchiapa 29150, México
10.22055/jacm.2026.48947.5616
Abstract
This study develops and validates a nonlinear dynamic model for a 1.5 kW composite wind turbine blade prone to large deflections. The methodology combines an equivalent beam model that accounts for geometric nonlinearities and variable sectional properties with a numerical solution via the Runge-Kutta method. Experimental free- and forced-vibration tests on a cantilevered blade confirmed nonlinear stiffening, evidenced by spectral widening, a superharmonic resonance at 30.7 Hz, and asymmetric orbits in phase portraits. The model accurately predicts the global dynamic response, with errors below 8.6% in nonlinear regimes, providing a reliable tool for identifying critical frequencies and supporting the safe design of wind turbine blades.
Keywords
Composite wind turbine blade
geometric nonlinearity
nonlinear dynamics
equivalent beam theory, classical lamination theory
Subjects

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Journal of Applied and Computational Mechanics

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 17 February 2026