Experimental–Analytical Identification of Shear Elastic Modulus and Shear Correction Factor in Composite Wind Turbine Blades

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Andres Lopez-Lopez 1
Jesus A. Enriquez-Santiago 2
Marco A. Zuñiga-Reyes 3
Marco A. Zamora-Antuñano 4 , 5
Perla Y. Sevilla-Camacho 6
José B. Robles-Ocampo 7
1 Centro de Investigación, Innovación y Desarrollo Tecnológico (CIIDETEC), Universidad del Valle de México (UVM), Campus Online, Av. Marina Nacional 500, Anáhuac I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México
2 División de Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad del Istmo, Ciudad Universitaria S/N Barrio Santa Cruz 4a. Sección, Sto. Domingo Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, 70760, México
3 Departamento de Metal Mecánica, Tecnológico Nacional de México/IT de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Carretera Panamericana Km 1080, Tuxtla Gutiérrez C.P. 29050, México
4 Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Energías Renovables, Universidad Autónoma de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Libramiento norte poniente 1150, Lajas Maciel, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chis, 29039, México
5 Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Querétaro (CONCYTEQ), Av. Prolongación Luis Pasteur 36, Centro, Santiago de Querétaro 76000, México
6 Programa Académico de Ingeniería Mecatrónica, Universidad Politécnica de Chiapas, Suchiapa 29150, México
7 Programa Académico de Ingeniería en Manufactura Avanzada, Universidad Politécnica de Chiapas, Suchiapa 29150, México
10.22055/jacm.2026.49420.5964
Abstract
Accurate estimation of the effective shear stiffness of composite wind turbine blades remains challenging because equivalent beam models require reliable shear properties for hollow anisotropic composite structures. This study proposes a hybrid experimental–analytical methodology that integrates experimental modal analysis, laminate-based sectional modeling, and thin-walled shear flow theory to identify the effective shear elastic modulus and determine the shear correction factor. Unlike conventional approaches based on prescribed material properties or simplified assumptions, the proposed framework directly links experimental dynamic response with equivalent structural parameters. The identified shear elastic modulus shows deviations below 1.1% across vibration modes. The methodology improves the accuracy of equivalent Timoshenko beam models for structural characterization, vibration analysis, and structural health monitoring of composite wind turbine blades.
Keywords
Composite wind turbine blades
Shear elastic modulus identification
Shear correction factor
Hollow aerodynamic sections
Experimental modal analysis
Thin-walled composite structures
Subjects

Publisher’s Note Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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Journal of Applied and Computational Mechanics

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 08 September 2026