Impact angle and exposure time effects on raindrop erosion of fibre reinforced polymer composites : application to offshore wind turbine conditions

Rasool, Ghulam and Pelaez Larios, Maria and Stack, Margaret (2020) Impact angle and exposure time effects on raindrop erosion of fibre reinforced polymer composites : application to offshore wind turbine conditions. Tribology Transactions. ISSN 1040-2004 (In Press)

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Abstract

Raindrop erosion significantly contributes to the leading edge erosion of rotor blades. The object of the current work is to investigate the causes of the leading edge erosion of a glass fibre reinforced polymer composite candidate wind turbine blade in condition of containing 3.5% NaCl, applicable to offshore wind turbine conditions or wind farms located close to coastal regions. For this purpose, a whirling arm rig was used to test specimens for a range of angles of attack at a constant tip speed of rotor blades. The tests were run for two hours and mass variation was measured after half hour interval. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses of the exposed surfaces of each sample were carried out after the completion of tests. The test results reveal that droplet impact erosion of the rotor blade progresses in a so-called parabolic manner and the ingress of water and salt can affect the erosion resistance of the materials. Erosion maps have been constructed to demonstrate transitions in erosive wear modes with exposure time.

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