Finite Element Modeling of Wind Turbine Blade Root

Method for FE modeling of complicate layered structures was investigated.In consideration of the characteristic of repeated layers in root structure of wind turbine blade,the sub-laminate method was introduced for calculating equivalent stiffnesses,the FE model of root structure was established while it was treated as unique material,the effect of loads on boundary conditions and contact states between screw nuts and holes was also discussed.The calculated equivalent modulus E1 of [0°/±45°] tri-axial laminate was in good accordance with tested result.Numerical simulation shows little difference between displacements obtained by equivalent model and layered element model respectively,which indicates good accuracy of the method.The established FE model can be used for further stress analysis of root structure.