5MW model

[EVElove444]

Hello, the blade weight of the IEA 5MW（https://github.com/WISDEM/SONATA/blob/master/examples/5_IEA_5MW/IEA-5-RWT.yaml） model you provided differs by about 5% from that of the NREL 5MW（https://github.com/WISDEM/WISDEM/blob/master/examples/02_reference_turbines/nrel5mw.yaml）model. What is the cause of this difference? Which model should I use for optimization calculations and for computing the stiffness and mass matrices?

[ptrbortolotti]

Hi,
WISDEM uses PreComp to compute the equivalent elastic properties. PreComp uses shell elements, whereas SONATA and its solver ANBA use planar elements. The 5% is mostly due to differences in meshing. You can choose what to use based on your problem and required fidelity

[EVElove444]

@ptrbortolotti Thank you for your clarification regarding the use of PreComp and SONATA/ANBA within the WISDEM framework.

I am currently using WISDEM to compute the blade mass of two versions of the same blade model and observed a ~5% discrepancy,

Our research focuses on optimizing the blade laminate layout and analyzing its impact on flutter behavior. To achieve this, we require accurate BeamDyn input parameters derived from the structural model.

We have been working with the IEA 5MW blade model provided in SONATA (specifically:
https://github.com/WISDEM/SONATA/blob/master/examples/5_IEA_5MW/IEA-5-RWT.yaml), and we would like to understand what laminate simplifications or assumptions were made in this model. This will help us verify and justify the BeamDyn inputs we use in our flutter simulations.

Could you please provide details on any assumptions, grouping, or averaging approaches applied to the original layups in the SONATA version of the IEA 5MW blade?

Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Best regards,

[EVElove444]

@ptrbortolotti

[ptrbortolotti]

The yaml file that is read by WISDEM and SONATA is the same file. We created it to match the layups defined in this report https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1095962
As discussed earlier, the key difference between WISDEM and SONATA lies in the 2D meshing of the cross sections: shell vs planar elements. The meshing logic, especially for planar elements, is discussed in the publications describing SONATA, see the list at the bottom of https://github.com/WISDEM/SONATA
Note that this blade is 100% virtual, and so the assumptions have not been validated for the NREL 5MW