Experimental characterization and new simulation methods for static failure in preform transitions

To reach future targets of renewable energy capacity, the production capacity of wind turbines must be accelerated. Part of a new production methodology, manufacturing wind turbine blades (WTBs) with preforms, is investigated in this PhD project. Preforms are defined as dry stacks of glass fibre non-crimp fabrics weakly adhered together by a binder material. Once constructed, the preform is lifted into the WTB mould and infused with resin to create the WTB laminate. By handling the preform as a single coherent unit, material deposition rates are increased, and the WTB mould cycle times are decreased, which decreases costs and increases the output of WTBs. A consequence of using preforms is that potentially weak interfaces are created where preforms are joined in the laminate. Failure of these interfaces, called preform transitions, is the subject of this PhD project. The main contributions to this topic are documented in the papers A-C in this thesis.