Chord length and radius of a wind turbine rotor blade

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between the chord length and the radius of a wind turbine rotor blade. The chord length refers to the width of the blade, measured from the leading edge to the trailing edge, while the radius is the distance from the center of the hub to the outer tip of the blade. It is emphasized that the chord length varies along the blade, being shorter at the tip compared to the root. Understanding these terms is crucial for analyzing rotor blade design and performance.

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ATY
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Hello,
I have a question about the chord length of rotor blades from wind turbines.
I do not really understand what the difference is to the radius of a wind turbine. I can not find a real explanation, but it seems to be very important. I know that the formula of the chord length depends on many different things (forces, tip speed, number of blades e.t.c.).
I would really appreciate, if somebody could help me.
Have a nice weekend
ATY
Edit: I found a picture of the chord length in a rotor blade, but to me it looks like the radius...
4ff3137b81.png
 
Last edited:
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ATY said:
Hello,
I have a question about the chord length of rotor blades from wind turbines.
I do not really understand what the difference is to the radius of a wind turbine. I can not find a real explanation, but it seems to be very important. I know that the formula of the chord length depends on many different things (forces, tip speed, number of blades e.t.c.).
I would really appreciate, if somebody could help me.
Have a nice weekend
ATY
Edit: I found a picture of the chord length in a rotor blade, but to me it looks like the radius...
4ff3137b81.png

It's not clear why you think the chord length of the blade is the radius. The picture you are showing is a cut thru one blade, showing the chord length (width) of the blade and its thickness, t. Remember, the blade is essentially a long slender wing which has the shape of an aerofoil in cross-section.

If you take a different view, one which shows the rotor in plan view, then the radius R of the rotor is properly the distance from the center of the hub to the outer tip of the blade.


ABAAABc3wAD-25.jpg

 
So you mean, that the radius is the whole structure, while the chord length is just the blade thingy itself ? (Sorry, my english is bad, i marked the area of where I think the chord length starts with a red arrow)

54344d4a96.jpg
 
ATY said:
So you mean, that the radius is the whole structure, while the chord length is just the blade thingy itself ? (Sorry, my english is bad, i marked the area of where I think the chord length starts with a red arrow)

54344d4a96.jpg
Yes.
 
Ah Great, thank you for explaining this to me :)
 
SteamKing said:
Yes.
To be sure, for the blades shown in the plan view, the chord length of the blade is shorter at the tip than closer in toward the hub. The thickness of the blade is probably also smaller at the tip than closer to the hub.
 

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