Can flax replace E-glass in structural composites? A small wind turbine blade case study
Article
Shah, Darshil U., Schubel, Peter J. and Clifford, Mike J.. 2013. "Can flax replace E-glass in structural composites? A small wind turbine blade case study." Composites Part B: Engineering. 52, pp. 172-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2013.04.027
| Article Title | Can flax replace E-glass in structural composites? A small wind turbine blade case study |
|---|---|
| ERA Journal ID | 4883 |
| Article Category | Article |
| Authors | Shah, Darshil U. (Author), Schubel, Peter J. (Author) and Clifford, Mike J. (Author) |
| Journal Title | Composites Part B: Engineering |
| Journal Citation | 52, pp. 172-181 |
| Number of Pages | 10 |
| Year | 2013 |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
| ISSN | 1359-8368 |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2013.04.027 |
| Web Address (URL) | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359836813001753 |
| Abstract | In directly addressing the question, ‘can flax replace E-glass as a reinforcement for structural composites?’, this manuscript adopts a novel comparative case study approach to investigate the manufacture and mechanical testing of full-scale 3.5-m composite rotor blades (suitable for 11 kW turbines) built from flax/polyester and E-glass/polyester. The resin transfer moulded flax blade is 10% lighter (fibre mass saving of 45%) than the identical construction E-glass blade. Static flap-bending tests, conducted in accordance to certification standards, confirm that like the E-glass blade, the flax blade satisfies the structural integrity requirements under ‘normal operation’ and ‘worst case’ loading. It is consequently claimed that flax is a potential structural replacement to E-glass for similar composite small wind turbine blade applications. The failure root bending moment and corresponding tip displacement of the flax blade are 11.6 kN m and 2300 mm, respectively. The blades exhibit distinctly different load–deflection curves and failure modes. The mean flexural rigidity of the flax and E-glass blades are estimated to be 24.6 kN m2 and 43.4 kN m2, respectively. It is interesting to find that although flax fibres and their composites are generally recognized for their stiffness, a flax blade cannot compete against an E-glass blade in terms of stiffness. |
| Keywords | biocomposites; natural fibres; structural applications; rotor blades; mechanical testing; cost analysis |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 401602. Composite and hybrid materials |
| Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
| Byline Affiliations | University of Nottingham, United Kingdom |
| Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
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