Development of three-dimensional co-rotational beam model for nonlinear dynamic analysis of highly flexible slender composite blades

The main purpose of this work is to introduce a novel method analyzing the dynamic response of a highly flexible slender composite beam having anisotropic property and variable cross-section. A three-dimensional co-rotational model is developed. The beam deformation in dynamic conditions is obtained by applying HHT-α method as dynamic analysis tool. Validation studies with various boundary conditions, multiple external loads and pre-curved structures are performed. Furthermore, dynamic analysis with a large, flexible, and slender composite blade is performed with and without structural couplings. It is shown the developed beam model accurately predicts nonlinear three-dimensional response and anisotropic structural coupling effects.