Chord length and radius of a wind turbine rotor blade

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of chord length and radius in the context of wind turbine rotor blades. Participants explore the definitions and differences between these two measurements, seeking clarification on their significance and relationship within the design of wind turbine blades.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the difference between chord length and radius, noting that the formula for chord length depends on various factors such as forces and tip speed.
  • Another participant clarifies that the chord length refers to the width of the blade at a given cross-section, while the radius is the distance from the center of the hub to the outer tip of the blade.
  • A participant confirms that the radius encompasses the entire rotor structure, whereas the chord length pertains specifically to the blade itself.
  • It is noted that the chord length varies along the length of the blade, being shorter at the tip compared to closer to the hub.
  • A definition of chord is provided, indicating it is the distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the blade, while the radius extends from the root to the tip.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definitions of chord length and radius, but there is some uncertainty regarding the implications of these measurements in the context of wind turbine design.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference visual aids to clarify their points, but the discussion does not resolve all uncertainties regarding the application of these concepts in practical scenarios.

ATY
Messages
30
Reaction score
1
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:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
43K