Failure Investigation of Large Wind Turbine Transmission Housings

Author:  P. Riccardella, G. Licina, D. Rosario, R. Bax
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 18 / Issue 4, Fall 2004
Doc ID:  2004006
Year of Publication:  2004
Abstract:  
Abstract When a significant percentage of wind turbine housings from a major U.S. manufacturer experienced failures in their first eighteen months of operation, Structural Integrity Associates was retained by an operator of the turbines to perform an independent assessment of the manufacturer's root cause analysis, and to provide recommendations for potential remedies. The failure investigation resulted in a thorough understanding of the cause of the problem, and ultimately, led to recommended operational restrictions and metallurgical treatments which permitted the wind field to continue operating at an acceptable, statistically established failure rate.