Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged leading or trailing edge region of a metallic turbine blade, which has a suction-side blade wall, a pressure-side blade wall and a leading edge and a trailing edge, includes: removing the damaged leading or trailing edge region, with a cutout being formed; providing a replacement part which can be inserted in form-fitting fashion into the cutout and which restores the intended geometry of the turbine blade; inserting the replacement part in form-fitting fashion into the cutout in a predetermined insertion direction, and cohesively connecting the replacement part to the turbine blade, wherein mechanical connection of the replacement part and turbine blade using separate fastening elements is performed in addition to the cohesive connection.

Abstract: A method for assembling blade parts of a wind turbine blade includes the steps of: obtaining information about a connection area of a blade part, at least one of selecting, customizing and manufacturing an adaptor piece depending on the obtained information about the connection area of the blade part, wherein the adaptor piece serves to connect the blade part with at least another blade part, and connecting the blade part to the adaptor piece. Independently manufactured blade parts of a wind turbine blade are assembled in a manner such that the assembled blade comes as close as possible to a single-casted blade.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade assembly, includes a wind turbine blade and a lightning protection system including an internal down conductor inside the wind turbine blade and multiple air termination devices having a receptor, which is electrically conductively coupled to the down conductor, wherein the length of the wind turbine blade assembly is divided into a first part having the internal down conductor and spanning from the blade root to at least one first air termination device and a second part spanning from the first air termination device to the assembly tip, wherein the lightning protection system further includes a second air termination device in the second part, and an external, electrically conductive strip extending between a pair of a first and a second air termination devices in the second part and being electrically conductively coupled to their receptors.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a first blade portion and a second blade portion coupled together by a connection joint. A first spar cap is associated with an upper shell half and a second spar cap is associated with the lower shell half of each of the first and second blade portions. A shear web extends between the first spar cap and the second spar cap of each of the first and second blade portions. The shear web is terminated away from a joint interface at which the first and second blade portions meet, and there is no shear web extending in a longitudinal direction across the joint interface. The shear web extending between the first spar cap and the second spar cap is branched in the longitudinal direction toward the first and second blade interfaces of the first and second blade portions respectively.

Abstract: A main beam for wind turbine blade, comprising: one or more carbon fiber pultruded bodies, wherein, each carbon fiber pultruded body comprising one or more carbon fiber pultruded sheets, the carbon fiber pultruded sheets are stacked along the thickness direction and are formed by curing a first infusion material, wherein a glass fiber infusion material is arranged between every two carbon fiber pultruded sheets; one or more inlays, which are arranged adjacent to the carbon fiber pultruded body in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the main beam; one or more overlays, which cover the carbon fiber pultruded bodies and/or the inlays on both sides in the thickness direction of the main beam; and a second infusion material, which impregnates carbon fiber pultruded bodies, the inlays and the overlays.

Abstract: A method of repairing a composite blade. The composite blade includes a metal work bonded to a composite part through an adhesive layer. The method includes determining a locally damaged portion of the metal work, and removing a bullet portion corresponding to the locally damaged portion. The method further includes detaching, debonding, and removing a first wing portion from the composite part to obtain a first exposed surface portion. The method further includes detaching, debonding, and removing a second wing portion from the composite part to obtain a second exposed surface portion. The method further includes reconditioning the first and second exposed surface portions to obtain first and second reconditioned surface portions, respectively, and applying first and second adhesive layers to the first and second reconditioned surface portions respectively. The method further includes bonding a metal work patch to the first and second adhesive layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wind turbine blade comprising a first blade section extending along a longitudinal axis from a root end to a first end and a second blade section extending along the longitudinal axis from a second end to a tip end. The wind turbine blade comprising a spar beam configured for connecting the first blade section and the second blade section. The first blade section comprises a first down conductor and the second blade section comprises a second down conductor. The wind turbine blade comprises a conductive connector element for electrically connecting the first down conductor and the second down conductor.

Abstract: There is provided a laminated hybrid metallized polymer film for erosion protection of a composite structure. The laminated hybrid metallized polymer film includes a metal foil layer, a laminating adhesive layer underlying the metal foil layer, and a polymer film layer underlying the laminating adhesive layer. The polymer film layer is laminated to the metal foil layer with the laminating adhesive layer coupled between the metal foil layer and the polymer film layer. The laminated hybrid metallized polymer film further includes an adhesive layer underlying the polymer film layer. The adhesive layer adheres the polymer film layer to a substrate surface of the composite structure. The metal foil layer, the laminating adhesive layer, the polymer film layer, and the adhesive layer form the laminated hybrid metallized polymer film for application over and to the substrate surface of the composite structure.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a gas turbine engine is provided. The rotor blade includes a blade body formed of a first material; and a tip component removably connected to the blade body, the tip component formed of a second material that is different than the first material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid pump, in particular to a liquid pump having a rotor with at last one rotor blade for conveying the fluid, the rotor being variable with respect to its diameter between a first, compressed state and a second expanded state. In order to produce a simple compressibility and expandability of the rotor of the pump, it is provided according to the invention that at least one rotor blade is deformable between a first state which it assumes in the compressed state of the rotor and a second state which it assumes in the expanded state of the rotor by means of a fluid counterpressure during a rotation of the rotor during pump operation.

Abstract: A rotor vane for an aircraft turbine engine includes a blade extending between an inner platform and an outer platform which carries at least one projecting lip. The blade has a lower surface and an upper surface, and the outer platform includes, on the side of the lower and upper surfaces, lateral edges configured to cooperate in a form-fitting manner with complementary lateral edges of adjacent vanes. Each of the lateral edges has an anti-wear coating, and one of the lateral edges forms a hollow tip (P) with a bowl configured to receive the coating and further including a first concave cylindrical surface portion, the geometric dimensions of which are optimized to limit the risk of cracks appearing when the coating is applied.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine includes a first blade segment and a second blade segment extending in opposite directions from a chord-wise joint. The blade segments each have at least one shell member defining an airfoil surface and an internal support structure. The internal support structure of the first blade segment includes a beam structure that structurally connects with the internal support structure of the second blade segment via a receiving section. The rotor blade further includes one or more pin joints positioned on at least one of internal support structures of the blade segments. Further, at least one of internal support structures is constructed, at least in part, of a resin material having a plurality of fibers cured therein. The fibers are arranged with varying fiber orientations along a span of the rotor blade at locations of the pin joint(s).

Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine includes first and second blade segments extending in opposite directions from a chord-wise joint. Each of the first and second blade segments has at least one shell member defining an airfoil surface and an internal support structure. The first blade segment includes a beam structure extending lengthwise that structurally connects with the second blade segment at a receiving section. At least one of the internal support structures of the first and second blade segments includes at least one spar cap. The rotor blade also includes one or more pin joints positioned on the spar cap(s) for connecting the blade segments. The spar cap is constructed of varying forms of materials along a span of the rotor blade, including at least two of: one or more infused composite laminates, one or more pre-preg composite laminates, one or more pre-fabricated or pre-cured composite elements, one or more additively-manufactured structures, or one or more non-composite structural solids.

Abstract: A fibrous texture forming the fibrous reinforcement of a turbomachine blade made of composite material which has a three-dimensional weaving between warp yarns or strands made of first fibers and weft yarns or strands made of first fibers, the texture including a blade root portion, a blade airfoil portion and a free end, the texture extending along the transverse direction between a first edge corresponding to a leading edge of the blade and a second edge corresponding to a trailing edge of the blade. The blade airfoil portion has a reinforced area extending along the longitudinal direction from the free end over a first length, and along the transverse direction from the second edge over a second length less, the reinforced area including weft yarns or strands made of second fibers different from the first fibers, the second fibers having an elongation at break greater than the first fibers.

Abstract: There is provided a wind turbine blade extending longitudinally in a spanwise direction between a root end and a tip end, and transversely in a chordwise direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The wind turbine blade comprises an outer shell defining a substantially hollow interior, and a shear web arranged inside the outer shell and extending longitudinally in the spanwise direction. The shear web comprises an elongate web panel and a mounting flange extending along a longitudinal edge of the web panel, the mounting flange comprising an inboard end portion defining a root end of the mounting flange and an outboard portion defining a tip end of the mounting flange. The outboard portion extends along a majority of the length of the elongate web panel. The inboard end portion of the mounting flange is bonded to an inner surface of the blade shell by a first adhesive, and the outboard portion of the mounting flange is bonded to the inner surface of the blade shell by a second adhesive.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine including first and second blade segments extending in opposite directions from a chord-wise joint. The first and second blade segments include one or more shell members and internal support structures coupled to an inner surface of the one or more shell members of the first and second blade segments. The internal support structure of the first blade segment includes a beam structure extending between a first end at the chord-wise joint and a second end such that the beam structure is received by a receiving section of the internal support structure of the second blade segment. The rotor blade includes one or more spacer materials arranged within the first blade segment between an exterior surface of the beam structure and the inner surface of the one or more shell members to reduce a bond gap therebetween.

Abstract: Provided is a steam turbine rotor blade having, at an intermediate position in a blade length direction thereof, a tie boss for connection to an adjacent blade, wherein the steam turbine rotor blade includes a leading edge side protrusion that is extending in an embankment shape in a blade chord length direction at an intermediate position in the blade length direction, a start end and a terminal end of the leading edge side protrusion are located on a suction side surface and a pressure side surface, respectively, and the leading edge side protrusion continues from the start end to the terminal end via a blade leading edge and arrangement thereof in the blade length direction overlaps with the tie boss as viewed from the upstream side.

Abstract: A composite material blade for a fan of a turbine engine, includes a first portion that extends to the root of the blade and that is made of a first material including first fiber reinforcement densified by a first matrix, the blade also including a second portion that extends to the tip of the blade and that is made of a second material that is different from the first material and that includes second fiber reinforcement densified by a second matrix, the second material possessing abrasion resistance that is less than that of the first material.

Abstract: A method for joining rotor blade segments of a rotor blade includes forming a female structural member having a receipt portion with a cavity and a structural portion. Further, the method includes securing the female structural member within a first blade segment. The method also includes forming a male structural member having a protrusion portion and a structural portion. Moreover, the method includes securing the structural portion of the male structural member within a second blade segment. In addition, the method includes inserting the protrusion portion into the cavity. As such, when inserted, an interface of the protrusion portion and the cavity forms one or more internal channels. Thus, the method further includes injecting adhesive into the one or more internal channels so as to secure the first and second blade segments together.

Abstract: A multilayer protective covering can protect a surface from lightning strikes. The covering includes a bottom conductive layer affixed to the surface and having a first opening that is aligned with a grounding connection so that the grounding connection is exposed through first opening and not in contact with the bottom conductive layer. The covering also includes a dielectric layer affixed to the bottom conductive layer and having second opening aligned with the grounding connection so that the grounding connection is exposed through second opening and not in contact with the dielectric layer. The covering additionally includes a top conductive layer affixed to the dielectric layer and covering the grounding connection. The top conductive layer directs electrical current from a lightning strike on the surface to the grounding connection.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes a combustor wall with a first skin, a second skin, a core and a sound attenuation passage. The first skin forms a peripheral boundary of a combustion volume on a first side of the combustor wall. The second skin forms a peripheral boundary of a plenum on a second side of the combustor wall. The core includes a plurality of resonator elements between the first skin and the second skin. A first resonator element includes a first base and a plurality of first protrusions projecting out from the first base. Each first protrusion includes a first bore fluidly coupled with a first cavity within the first base. The sound attenuation passage extends within the core and is fluidly coupled with the combustion volume through an attenuation passage aperture in the first skin. The sound attenuation passage is fluidly decoupled from the plenum by the second skin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite guide vane with a metallic leading edge includes receiving a layup of fiber-reinforced composite sheets of continuous, substantially parallel and non-interlaced fibers impregnated with a resin. A vane body is formed from the layup of sheets. The vane body includes a body mid portion for interacting with a fluid and a body end portion. The method includes applying a metallic sheath on part of the vane body. The metallic sheath defines a leading edge of the guide vane. The method includes overmolding a head or a foot of the guide vane onto part of the vane body and onto part of the metallic sheath.

Abstract: An airfoiled component comprises: a root section, an airfoil section, a damper pocket enclosed within a portion of the airfoil section, and a damper. The airfoil section includes a suction sidewall and a pressure sidewall each extending chordwise between a leading edge and a trailing edge, and extending spanwise between the root section and an airfoil tip. The damper includes a fixed end unified with a damper mounting surface, and a free end extending into the damper pocket from the damper mounting surface.

Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine includes, among other things, an airfoil that includes a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall that meet together at both a leading edge and a trailing edge, the airfoil extending radially from a platform to a tip, a tip pocket formed in the tip and terminating prior to the trailing edge, and one or more heat transfer augmentation devices formed in the tip pocket.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a plurality of fan blades rotatable about an axis, wherein each of the plurality of fan blades includes a leading edge. The gas turbine engine also includes turbine section includes an aft most turbine blade having a trailing edge and a geared architecture driven by the turbine section for rotating the plurality of fan blades about the axis. A center of gravity of the gas turbine engine is located a first axial distance from the trailing edge of the aft most turbine blade that is between about 35% and about 75% of a total length between the leading edge of the plurality of fan blades and the trailing edge of the aft most turbine blade.

Abstract: A jointed wind turbine rotor blade includes a first blade segment and a second blade segment extending in opposite directions from a chord-wise joint line. Each of the first and second blade segments includes opposite spar caps. The first and second blade segments are connected at the chord-wise joint line by internal joint structure, wherein the joint structure is bonded to the opposite spar caps in at least the second blade segment. The spar caps in the second blade segment have a first section with a first chord-wise width that is unbonded to the joint structure and a second section with a second chord-wise width that is bonded to the joint structure. The second chord-wise width is greater than the first chord-wise width.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade assembly comprising: a first wind turbine blade portion having a first attachment portion and a first metallic plate, a second wind turbine blade portion having a second attachment portion and a second metallic plate, and at least one tension member for coupling to the first and second attachment portions to join the first wind turbine blade portion to the second wind turbine blade portion, wherein the first and second metallic plates are configured to abut in compression due to tension in the tension member when the first wind turbine blade portion is joined to the second wind turbine blade portion with the at least one tension member. Also, a method of joining blade portions to construct a blade.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an airfoil includes an airfoil body portion, an airfoil tip portion disposed radially outward of the airfoil body portion, an airfoil root portion, and a plurality of radial cooling passages extending through the airfoil body portion from the root portion to the tip airfoil portion. The airfoil body portion and the airfoil tip portion are joined at a braze interface or a weld interface. The airfoil tip portion includes at least one manifold fluidly connecting at least one radial cooling passage to at least one other radial cooling passage.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inter-blade profile (14) for a turbine runner blade, said inter-blade profile (14) comprising a profile (16), and a plug (18), forming a basis of the profile (16) and intended for being inserted into a corresponding hole (21) made in a blade.

Abstract: A method of providing an edge seal along a longitudinal edge of an add-on part mounted on the outer surface of a rotor blade is provided. The method includes determining a height at the longitudinal edge of the add-on part, choosing a width for the edge seal to be applied on the rotor blade surface, wherein the width of the edge seal is chosen to exceed the height at the longitudinal edge of the add-on part by a factor of at least twenty; and forming the edge seal by applying a sealant material to the rotor blade surface at least in a volume defined by the height at the longitudinal edge of the add-on part and the chosen edge seal width.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade having surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a blade tip and a blade root. The surfaces are constructed of a polymeric composite material. The rotor blade assembly also includes a protection cap arranged adjacent to one or more of the surfaces of the rotor blade so as to cover at least a portion of the one or more surfaces of the rotor blade. The protection cap includes a body defining an overall length. Further, at least a first segment of the protection cap is constructed of a tungsten-based metal. Thus, the protection cap is configured to reduce erosion and resist corrosion of the rotor blade caused by particle or liquid impact.

Abstract: A pitch beam movable by a pitch change shaft to adjust a pitch of at least one rotor blade of a rotor system via a pitch linkage includes a first surface having a generally planar configuration, a smooth second surface disposed opposite the first surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. A pitch linkage connection point is disposed at the sidewall to which the pitch linkage is attachable. An interior is defined between the first surface and the second surface and an opening extends through the first and second surface at a rotational axis of the rotor system to which the pitch change shaft is attached. Movement of the pitch change shaft moves the pitch beam and adjusts the pitch of the at least one rotor blade via the pitch linkage attached at the pitch linkage connection point.

Abstract: Provided is a protective cover system including a first protective cover and a second protective cover, both include a polymer and being pre-formed into a curved shape so as to accommodate at least a part of a wind turbine blade to be protected, each of the first and second protective covers has a tip end and a root end, wherein the first protective cover includes a first overlap portion at the root end, and the second protective cover includes a second overlap portion at the tip end, wherein the shape of the first overlap portion is substantially complementary to the shape of the second overlap portion such that when overlapping the first and second overlap portions, the resulting cross section of the overlapped overlap portions substantially corresponds to the cross sections of at least one of the first and second protective covers outside the overlap portions.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure for a wind turbine blade is in the form of an elongate stack of layers of pultruded fibrous composite strips supported within a U-shaped channel. The length of each layer is slightly different to create a taper at the ends of the stack; the centre of the stack has five layers, and each end has a single layer. The ends of each layer are chamfered, and the stack is coated with a thin flexible pultruded fibrous composite strip extending the full length of the stack. The reinforcing structure extends along a curved path within the outer shell of the blade. The regions of the outer shell of the blade on either side of the reinforcing structure are filled with structural foam, and the reinforcing structure and the foam are both sandwiched between an inner skin and an outer skin.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a shell of a wind turbine blade having improved leading edge erosion protection, wherein the method includes the steps of: (a) providing a preform of the shell, (b) providing a protective cover for protection of the shell, (c) arranging the protective cover at a portion of a leading edge of the shell, so that an erosion protected shell is obtained, and (d) casting the erosion protected shell, so that the shell of the wind turbine blade having the improved erosion protection is obtained. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the wind turbine blade and to a shell, a wind turbine blade and a wind turbine.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fan blade for a turbomachine, comprising: a leading edge and a pressure-side wall, a structural shield, said shield being attached and fixed to the leading edge of the blade and comprising a pressure-side fin attached to the pressure-side wall, and a piece of fabric comprising aramid fibres, attached and fixed to the pressure-side wall of the fan blade such that the piece of fabric extends in the continuation of the pressure-side fin of the shield without covering said pressure-side fin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite guide vane with a metallic leading edge includes receiving a layup of fiber-reinforced composite sheets of continuous, substantially parallel and non-interlaced fibers impregnated with a resin. A vane body is formed from the layup of sheets. The vane body includes a body mid portion for interacting with a fluid and a body end portion. The method includes applying a metallic sheath on part of the vane body. The metallic sheath defines a leading edge of the guide vane. The method includes overmolding a head or a foot of the guide vane onto part of the vane body and onto part of the metallic sheath.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a first blade segment and a second blade segment extending in opposite directions from a chord-wise joint. The first blade segment includes a beam structure extending lengthways that structurally connects with the second blade segment at a receiving section, wherein the beam structure forms a portion of an internal support structure and includes a shear web connected with a suction side spar cap and a pressure side spar cap. The present technology also includes a joint rod located at a first end of the beam structure for connecting with the receiving section of the second blade segment to form a coupling joint about a joint axis. The coupling joint is coupled to an adjustable elastic support. The receiving section may further include a torque coupling positioned offset from the joint axis, such that a bending motion of the beam structure automatically induces a twist motion. A method of assembling the wind turbine blade is additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a compression system radius ratio defined as the ratio of the radius of the tip of a fan blade to the radius of the tip of the most downstream compressor blade in the range of from 5 to 9. This results in an optimum balance between installation benefits, operability, maintenance requirements and engine efficiency when the gas turbine engine is installed on an aircraft.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes: a blade body portion; and an anti-erosion layer disposed so as to cover a surface of the blade body portion partially. A center point of the anti-erosion layer in a circumferential length direction along a blade profile in a cross section orthogonal to a blade spanwise direction is shifted toward a pressure side from a leading edge of the blade body portion, at least in a part of an extension range of the anti-erosion layer in the blade spanwise direction.

Abstract: A propeller blade comprises a composite blade spar and at least one cover shell section adhesively bonded to the blade spar by a thermoplastic adhesive.

Abstract: A blade fabrication method is provided and includes additively manufacturing a core, securing the core to a mandrel, electroforming a leading edge sheath directly onto the core and the mandrel and removing the mandrel from the core and the leading edge sheath.

Abstract: An airfoil includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side extending between the leading and the trailing edge, and a suction side that is disposed opposite the pressure side extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The airfoil further includes a spar and a structural member. The spar defines the leading edge. The structural member is bonded to the spar.

Abstract: Turbine blades for use in gas turbine engines are disclosed herein. Each blade includes an airfoil and a protective crown. The airfoil includes ceramic matrix composite materials. The protective crown includes ceramic-containing materials and is mounted to a radially-outer end portion of the airfoil.

Abstract: A vane configured to be placed with a plurality of identical vanes so as to form a vane wheel for an aeroengine, the vane wheel defining an axis, the vane having an airfoil presenting a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading-edge curve describing the shape of the leading edge of the airfoil in a view perpendicular to the airfoil presenting at least one leading-edge undulation, said at least one leading-edge undulation extending over less than 30% of a length of the airfoil from the first end of the airfoil.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade is provided with two shell parts each at least partly made of a sandwich structure including an inner skin (76), an outer skin (74), and an intermediate core material (75, 77), wherein the shell parts are bonded together at least along their respective leading edges (18). The blade also comprises a longitudinally extending spacing section in which the respective trailing edges (58a, 58b) of the pressure side shell part and the suction side shell part are spaced apart, wherein a trailing edge shear web (45) is arranged between and connected to the sandwich structure of the suction side shell part (84, 86, 87) and the sandwich structure of the pressure side shell part (74, 76, 77).

Abstract: Methods for repairing composite components are provided. For instance, one exemplary method includes machining an interlocking feature into an existing component. A replacement material or core having an interlocking feature complementary to the interlocking feature of the existing component is then joined with the component. The interlocking features interlock to form a joint. The joint is then overlaid with one or more plies to rebuild the outer surface of the component and seal the joint. A bonding process can be used to chemically bond the newly joined parts together. Repaired composite components are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a load distribution panel assembly for a gas turbine engine. The assembly has a panel structure having at least one circumferential structural panel having a first end, and a second end coupled to a fixed structure of the gas turbine engine. The circumferential structural panel has a first compliant portion extending away from the first end, and has a second stiffened portion angled with respect to and extending radially away from the first compliant portion, and terminating at the second end. The second stiffened portion has a closed stiffened cavity portion integral with a perimeter flange portion. The panel assembly converts fore/aft point load(s) applied to it by load applying apparatus(es), to hoop tension and compression loads, and reacts a load offset in in-plane load(s), to provide uniform load distribution of the fore/aft point load(s) to the fixed structure.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade includes an elongate body having a root end configured to be coupled to a rotor hub of a wind turbine. The rotor blade further includes a connection joint at the root end for connecting the rotor blade to the rotor hub. The connection joint includes a plurality of connecting elements integrated into the root end of the rotor blade and including an eye that defines a bore through the root end of the rotor blade. The connecting elements may be formed from folded fiber rovings wherein the fold forms the eye. A method of making a rotor blade having the connecting element integrated therein, and a method of making the connecting elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade assembly is described. The wind turbine blade assembly comprises: first and second blade sections connected together, each blade section having a shell defining an aerodynamic profile and each section comprising lightning protection components; a substantially enclosed interior region defined in part by the shell of the first blade section and in part by the shell of the second blade section; a first connector located in the interior region, the first connector being attached to the first blade section and electrically connected to the lightning protection components of the first blade section, the first connector defining a contact surface; a second connector located in the interior region, the second connector being attached to the second blade section and electrically connected to the lightning protection components of the second blade section, the second connector defining a contact surface opposed to and in contact with the contact surface of the first connector.