Finite element models with helical meshes are developed to systematically evaluate the torsional buckling resistance of steel wind turbine towers. A comprehensive analysis of convergence behavior and meshing strategies is conducted, followed by linear elastic bifurcation analysis and geometrically nonlinear elastic analysis incorporating initial imperfections. A parametric study is conducted to systematically investigate the effects of key geometric parameters, including the diameter-to-thickness ratio, dimensionless length, and imperfection amplitude, on the elastic buckling capacity of cylindrical shells. Based on the results of the linear buckling analysis, a modified formulation for the length-dependent coefficient Cτ is proposed to calculate elastic critical shear buckling stresses within the Reference Resistance Design （RRD） framework. Additionally, the outcomes of the geometrically nonlinear analysis led to the development of a revised sensitivity parameter αI, which improves the accuracy of assessing imperfection sensitivity in RRD-based design methodologies. These proposed modifications improve the predictive capabilities of torsional buckling resistance in steel wind turbine towers, addressing a critical gap in current design practices.
Key words
wind turbines /
torsional loadingal /
finite element method /
buckling behavior /
cylindrical shell /
reference resistance design
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