This paper addresses the critical issue of leading edge erosion (LEE) on modern wind turbine blades (WTBs) caused by solid particle impacts. LEE can harm the structural integrity and aerodynamic performance of WTBs, leading to reduced efficiency and increased maintenance costs. This study employs a novel particle-based approach called hybrid peridynamics–discrete element method (PD–DEM) to model the impact of solid particles on WTB leading edges and target material failure accurately. It effectively captures the through-thickness force absorption and the propagation of stresses within the leading edge coating system composed of composite laminates. The amount of mass removed and the mean displacement of the target material points can be reliably calculated using the current method. Through a series of tests, the research demonstrates the method’s ability to predict impact force changes with varying particle size, velocity, impact angles and positions. Moreover, this study offers a significant improvement in erosion prediction capability and the development of design specifications. This work contributes to the advancement of WTB design and maintenance practices to mitigate LEE effectively.

本文解决了由固体颗粒撞击引起的现代风力涡轮机叶片 (WTB) 前缘侵蚀 (LEE) 的关键问题。LEE 会损害 WTB 的结构完整性和空气动力学性能，导致效率降低和维护成本增加。本研究采用一种称为混合近场动力学-离散元法 (PD-DEM) 的新颖的基于粒子的方法来准确模拟固体粒子对 WTB 前缘和目标材料失效的影响。它有效地捕获由复合材料层压板组成的前缘涂层系统内的全厚度力吸收和应力传播。使用当前方法可以可靠地计算去除的质量量和目标材料点的平均位移。通过一系列测试，研究证明了该方法能够预测不同颗粒尺寸、速度、冲击角度和位置的冲击力变化。此外，这项研究显着提高了侵蚀预测能力和设计规范的制定。这项工作有助于推进 WTB 设计和维护实践，以有效缓解 LEE。