Some thoughts on mapping tribological issues of wind turbine blades due to effects of onshore and offshore raindrop erosion

This paper represents the investigation of liquid impacts on wind turbine blade materials in the simulation of onshore and offshore environmental conditions. G 10 epoxy glass laminate used as a specimen material. The experimental work carried out on a raindrop erosion test rig at the varying angles of attack for a range tip speed. Two solutions, i.e. pure and salt water were used to highlight the effects of offshore environment on this material when it is being used as wind turbine blades. Test results show that the erosive wear increased with an increase in droplet impact velocity. Erosion mapping techniques were used to compare the erosive wear behaviour of this material for application to onshore and offshore applications as candidate wind turbine materials.