A finite element model for 3D printed recycled parts from end-of-life wind turbine blades

Wind turbines are important for clean electric energy, but the increasing number of end-of-life wind turbine blades has become a hazardous waste problem worldwide. A novel recycling approach based on mechanical grinding and combined with 3D printing techniques is a promising solution that will reduce waste at a low cost while retaining the excellent mechanical properties of recycled fabricated samples. Considering the material structure complexity of 3D printed samples, the Representative Volume Element (RVE) is a promising simulation model. This paper proposes a Modified Random Sequential Adsorption (MRSA) algorithm for the efficient generation of RVEs with hybrid and arbitrary-geometry reinforcements. Compared with the classical RSA algorithm, MRSA is advantageous in fiber intersection computational cost. The error between FEA and experiments is lower than results obtained from Mori-Tanaka and Halpin-Tsai. The effects of fiber content, fiber aspect ratio, fiber orientation and local fiber density are discussed. The model will be helpful for accurately predicting properties of 3D printing materials that use recycled wind turbine waste.