Structural Analysis of Wind Turbine Blades for Material Optimization

Wind energy continues to grow as a critical sector for sustainable power generation, with turbine blade optimization playing a central role in enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity. This study examines the application of three-dimensionally printed polymer composites as environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional blade materials. A full-scale wind turbine blade, based on the NACA 2412 airfoil, was designed using SolidWorks and subjected to finite element analysis in ANSYS Workbench under combined aerodynamic, gravitational, and inertial loads. Virgin polylactic acid, recycled polylactic acid, and carbon fiber-reinforced polylactic acid were evaluated based on total deformation, strain energy absorption, and Von-Mises stress distribution. Results indicated that carbon fiber-reinforced polylactic acid exhibited superior stiffness and the lowest stress values, while recycled polylactic acid demonstrated higher strain energy, suggesting improved impact absorption and fatigue resistance. The outcomes highlight the potential of lightweight, sustainable composites to enhance wind turbine blade performance while supporting environmental objectives. Future work will include experimental validation through three-dimensional printing techniques, emphasizing optimizing fiber orientation and reinforcement content to improve mechanical behavior further and extend operational lifespan for large-scale applications.