University of Twente Student Theses
High Strain Rate Characterization of Mechancal Properties by Low Temperature Testing for Polymeric Materials
Olde Dubbelink, M.B. (2024) High Strain Rate Characterization of Mechancal Properties by Low Temperature Testing for Polymeric Materials.
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| Abstract: | The offshore wind energy sector is growing rapidly due to global climate concerns, driving the need for larger wind turbines to increase energy output and reduce costs. However, this growth introduces challenges, particularly the issue of rain erosion on turbine blades/ Current solutions, such as polymeric coatings, face challenges in weight and manufacturability for larger blades. A more sustainable approach involves using thermoplastic protective layers, specifically Leading Edge Protection (LEP) systems designed to reduce energy loss and maintenance needs. Despite the promise of LEP systems, limited research exists on rain erosion for these materials. Predicting the lifetime of wind turbine coatings remains challenging due to the need for expensive and lengthy testing methods. Therefore, developing a robust characterization method for LEP materials is essential, which was carried out in this research. Using Time-Temperature Superposition (TTS), based on the temperature and strain rate dependence of a polymer, in combination with tensile testing and Dynamical Mechanical Testing (DMA), a test framework that improves the modelling capabilities of wind turbine coatings at high strain rates with a focus on rain erosion was developed. The study showed that DMA testing is only relevant for materials in which the glass transition temperature (Tg) is close to the testing temperature range, while tensile testing can be used to characterize materials at high strain rates for all materials tested. Mimicking rain erosion using fatigue testing at specific strain rates and temperatures was found to be a promising way of predicting the lifetime of a material, albeit that some limitations need to be overcome. Furthermore, investigation of the break surface of a sample after fatigue failure shows cracks in the load direction. There seems to be a relation between the number of these cracks and the number of cycles until failure, which is a promising perspective to further predict rain erosion in the field with the use of mechanical testing. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Subject: | 51 materials science, 52 mechanical engineering |
| Programme: | Mechanical Engineering MSc (60439) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/103670 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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