This paper presents the experimental results obtained of flexurally loaded wind turbine
blade cross section material. All material was extracted from a wind turbine blade box girder and
testing was conducted in four point configuration. The aim was to gain an understanding of the
structural integrity of this lightweight material as it deforms in flexure. To allow for thorough
analysis, digital image correlation (DIC) was used to produce full field strain maps of the deforming
specimens. Results highlight the capability of the DIC technique to identify regions of failure, as
well as the aspects responsible for them. Overall, the results present a foundation for tests on larger
substructure, and eventually integration into manufacturing and maintenance aspects of the industry.
Non-Destructive Evaluation of Damage Mechanisms in Composite Sandwich Structure
