Advanced fibre-reinforced composites for marine renewable energy devices

Abstract This chapter discusses the applications and challenges for glass and carbon fibre composites in marine renewable energy devices. It uses a tidal turbine blade as a case study, describing the nature of the operating environment and resulting loads, the structural design process, material selection, manufacturing techniques and structural health monitoring. The chapter also discusses ongoing research in areas such as the development of new materials, which are better able to cope with high-cycle fatigue loads in marine environments, and improved structural design techniques.

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