Published Paper Details:

Wind energy has emerged as one of the most promising sources of renewable energy, with wind turbine rotor blades serving as a critical component in converting wind into mechanical power. The performance, durability, and efficiency of these blades significantly influence the overall output of the turbine. This project focuses on the fabrication and modal analysis of a wind turbine rotor blade to evaluate its dynamic behaviour under operational conditions. The fabrication process involves the use of lightweight, high-strength composite materials such as, GFRP, CFRP, epoxy, polyester, graphene, and MWCNT. These materials are selected for their excellent mechanical properties, including high stiffness-to-weight ratios and resistance to environmental degradation. Fabrication is carried out using techniques like hand lay-up and vacuum bagging, ensuring precise layering and proper curing to achieve the desired blade shape and structural integrity. Following fabrication, modal analysis is performed to study the blade's vibrational characteristics. This analysis identifies the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the rotor blade, which are essential for understanding its dynamic response to external excitations like wind gusts and mechanical vibrations. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools are used to create a detailed model of the blade, and boundary conditions are applied to simulate real-world mounting scenarios. Understanding the modal behaviour is crucial to prevent resonance, which can lead to structural failure or reduced operational life. The results from the modal analysis provide valuable insights for optimizing blade design, enhancing reliability, and ensuring safe and efficient turbine operation. This project demonstrates the integration of advanced manufacturing and analytical techniques to improve the design and functionality of wind turbine rotor blades, supporting the continued growth of clean energy technologies.