Fatigue prediction of wind turbine tower considering the effect of high-tension bolt failure

IF 4.4 2区工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL

Engineering Failure Analysis Pub Date : 2025-03-04 DOI:10.1016/j.engfailanal.2025.109494

Yuka Kikuchi, Takeshi Ishihara

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

In this study, an accident at Taikoyama wind farm is investigated by the fatigue analysis of high-tension bolts and tower. Firstly, a sophisticated aeroelastic model is proposed by identifying the structural and control parameters and validated with the measured tower base bending moment. The predicted bending moment at the tower top shows that the tensile stress occurs at the downwind side of tower due to the eccentricity of the centre of gravity of rotor and nacelle. The bolt axial force is then predicted using the finite element model of the tower top with consideration of effects of ball bearings, yaw breaks and pinion gear. The predicted bolt fatigue life is about three months when the residual bolt axial force is less than 30 %, which matches the maintenance record. Finally, the stress of the tower shell is investigated by a sophisticated FEM model. It is found that the tensile stress is generated inside of the tower shell due to the leverage effect. The relationship between the local stress and the nominal stress shows the nonlinearity and the local stress in the case with damaged bolts is three times larger than that in the case with intact bolts. The predicted fatigue life of the tower favourably agrees with the observation.

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来源期刊

Engineering Failure Analysis 工程技术-材料科学：表征与测试

CiteScore

7.70

自引率

20.00%

发文量

956

审稿时长

47 days

期刊介绍： Engineering Failure Analysis publishes research papers describing the analysis of engineering failures and related studies. Papers relating to the structure, properties and behaviour of engineering materials are encouraged, particularly those which also involve the detailed application of materials parameters to problems in engineering structures, components and design. In addition to the area of materials engineering, the interacting fields of mechanical, manufacturing, aeronautical, civil, chemical, corrosion and design engineering are considered relevant. Activity should be directed at analysing engineering failures and carrying out research to help reduce the incidences of failures and to extend the operating horizons of engineering materials. Emphasis is placed on the mechanical properties of materials and their behaviour when influenced by structure, process and environment. Metallic, polymeric, ceramic and natural materials are all included and the application of these materials to real engineering situations should be emphasised. The use of a case-study based approach is also encouraged. Engineering Failure Analysis provides essential reference material and critical feedback into the design process thereby contributing to the prevention of engineering failures in the future. All submissions will be subject to peer review from leading experts in the field.