Finite Element Analysis of Delamination Initiation in Wind Turbine Blade Spar Caps: Role of Compression, Strain Energy, and Principal Stresses

In wind turbine blades, utilizing the finite element method (FEM) to identify potential failure modes before production provides considerable value and cost savings in contrast to conventional structural tests. This paper focuses on examining the factors leading to delamination in spar caps and exploring the initiation of this delamination using the finite element method. Compression, total strain energy density, and principal stresses are significant among the variables examined to determine the effects on model deformation and crack formation. Examining these variables may contribute to understanding the mechanisms involved in initiating and progressing delamination. This study examined the effects of compression, total strain energy density, and principal stresses on model deformation and crack formation. This study focuses on the effects of principal stresses on displacement, the effects of compression on delamination and crack formation, and the effects of total strain energy density on fracture tendency and failure modes due to delamination.