Fatigue as a design driver for composite wind turbine blades

Abstract: Composites have been the material of choice for wind turbine blade construction for several decades. This chapter explains why. It also shows how wind turbine blade materials and our understanding of their fatigue behaviour have developed recently, and the gaps that still exist in the knowledge. The chapter discusses why fatigue is a predominant design driver for wind turbine blades. The main structural elements of the blade (load bearing components and aerodynamic shell) are considered in terms of material and design requirements, and fundamental research questions are addressed. Finally, there is a comment on current and future trends, as well as a list of recommended reading.