FATIGUE ASSESSMENT METHOD FOR WIND TURBINE TOWER BOLT JOINTS CONSIDERING RETARDATION EFFECT OF OVERLOAD

Tang Xiao; Xiong Chuannan; Chang Ying; Luo Yuxiao; Wang Jianze; Dai Kaoshan

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2024-2088

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Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (4) : 231-239. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2024-2088

FATIGUE ASSESSMENT METHOD FOR WIND TURBINE TOWER BOLT JOINTS CONSIDERING RETARDATION EFFECT OF OVERLOAD

Tang Xiao¹, Xiong Chuannan¹, Chang Ying², Luo Yuxiao^1,3, Wang Jianze¹, Dai Kaoshan^1,2

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Abstract

This study aims to develop a crack growth retardation model for wind turbine tower bolt joints, incorporating retardation effects, and to perform a fatigue analysis through finite element modeling. Firstly, through finite element analysis, the study reveals that the stress concentration factor at the first engagement thread root of M20 high-strength bolts is highest, reaching 4.80, with the corresponding fatigue notch factor being 4.61. Further analysis using the crack growth retardation model shows that the crack growth rate considering retardation effects is significantly reduced. Under stress ranges of 30, 55, and 80 MPa, the difference in fatigue failure life is at least 27.8%. Additionally, the key parameter analysis results indicate that an increase in stress ratio, a decrease in retardation factor calculation exponent, and a reduction in overload ratio all accelerate the fatigue failure process.

Key words

wind turbine tower / flange node / fatigue / overload retardation effect / crack growth

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Tang Xiao, Xiong Chuannan, Chang Ying, Luo Yuxiao, Wang Jianze, Dai Kaoshan. FATIGUE ASSESSMENT METHOD FOR WIND TURBINE TOWER BOLT JOINTS CONSIDERING RETARDATION EFFECT OF OVERLOAD[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2026, 47(4): 231-239 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2024-2088

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