Failure mechanisms in adhesive bonds used in offshore wind turbine tower

Offshore wind energy propels Scotland’s sustainable future, harnessing powerful coastal winds to generate clean electricity. The integrity of offshore wind turbine towers is paramount for sustained energy production and safety. Ensuring structural soundness safeguards against corrosion, extreme weather, wear, and lightning strikes. Adhesives can be employed in the construction of turbine towers for bonding of steel components to composite materials. This enhances the load-bearing capacity and reduces the reliance on traditional welding methods.

offshore wind turbine structures are exposed to harsh environment including lightning strikes that is one of the main reasons behind failure of such structures. Lightning first contacts extremities such as the blade tips or the turbine structure itself. The lightning then follows the path of least electrical resistance through the structure and exits to the ground. Traditional nonconductive composite materials, comprised of nonconductive carbon fiber and resin, provide limited protection against lightning strikes. These strikes can break fibers and disintegrate the resin, compromising the structural integrity of the composite materials. In this project, we aim to attach this problem to predict mechanical failures of adhesive joints and composites and to improve preventive measures.

Key objectives and potential impact

• Predict Mechanical Failures in Adhesives and Adhesive Bonded Composites: Develop advanced experimental techniques and predictive models to assess failure risks in adhesive joints and composite structures under extreme offshore conditions.
• Build and test Lightning Strike Simulator for Testing Adhesive Bonds: Developing experimental setup for testing the effect of lightning strike is essential in expanding our knowledge on these types of failure. 

Enhancing the structural integrity of offshore wind turbines increases reliability and safety, ensuring continuous energy generation while reducing maintenance costs. By improving materials and bonding methods, the project extends turbine lifespan, minimizing downtime and repair frequency. Additionally, minimizing failures enhances cost efficiency, making offshore wind farms more economically viable. Beyond wind energy, technological innovations in adhesive bonding and composite materials could have a broader impact on various industrial applications, driving advancements in structural engineering.

Requirements for candidates: Mechanical experiments, Finite Element Analysis, Composites

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