Abstract: A method for stiffening a wind turbine tower employing fingerplate assemblies on flangeless joints between adjacent tubular tower sections. The method includes limiting the intercan gap between adjacent end surfaces of the tower sections at the flangeless joints and selecting a number of fingerplates to fasten each flangeless joints to limit distortion. Establishing dimensions for the fingerplates may further minimize localized tower distortion. Selecting a material for the fingerplate with a lower Young's modulus than a material for the tubular section also results in reduced localized tower distortion. Attaching a coverplate to a top tubular section limits tip displacement for the tower.

Abstract: A method and system for degassing a resin is provided. A degassing trough retains the resin, and an ultrasonic energy source applies ultrasonic energy to the degassing trough and resin. The application of ultrasonic energy to the resin reduces the amount of trapped gas bubbles contained within the resin.

Abstract: A method of detecting excessive strain in an elongated flexible member comprising: (a) applying at least one strain-detecting strip to the flexible member in an area that will be subject to bending in installation or use; (b) installing the flexible member in place; and (c) after installation, inspecting the strain-detecting strip for signs of excessive strain in the flexible member.

Abstract: A blade for a wind turbine and a method for making same are provided. The blade includes a skin having a braided fiber sock. One or more stiffeners are attached to the braided fiber sock.

Abstract: A composite vane includes an airfoil portion having an inner core composed primarily of fiberglass epoxy; a carbon epoxy fabric located outward of the inner core; a relatively thin layer of fiberglass epoxy, and an outer metal sheath.

Abstract: A method and system for degassing a resin containing trapped gas bubbles is provided. A centrifugal chamber that is capable of being rotated retains the resin, and the rotation of the centrifugal chamber reduces the amount of trapped gas bubbles contained within the resin.

Abstract: A method and system for degassing a resin is provided. A degassing trough retains the resin, and an ultrasonic energy source applies ultrasonic energy to the degassing trough and resin. The application of ultrasonic energy to the resin reduces the amount of trapped gas bubbles contained within the resin.

Abstract: A blade for a wind turbine and a method for making same are provided. The blade includes a skin having a braided fiber sock. One or more stiffeners are attached to the braided fiber sock.

Abstract: A method for stiffening a wind turbine tower employing fingerplate assemblies on flangeless joints between adjacent tubular tower sections. The method includes limiting the intercan gap between adjacent end surfaces of the tower sections at the flangeless joints and selecting a number of fingerplates to fasten each flangeless joints to limit distortion. Establishing dimensions for the fingerplates may further minimize localized tower distortion. Selecting a material for the fingerplate with a lower Young's modulus than a material for the tubular section also results in reduced localized tower distortion. Attaching a coverplate to a top tubular section limits tip displacement for the tower.

Abstract: A method of detecting excessive strain in an elongated flexible member comprising: (a) applying at least one strain-detecting strip to the flexible member in an area that will be subject to bending in installation or use; (b) installing the flexible member in place; and (c) after installation, inspecting the strain-detecting strip for signs of excessive strain in the flexible member.

Abstract: A method, with an associated system, for providing a cast component comprises annealing heat treatment to reduce casting stresses; initial machining the cast component; initial nondestructive testing (NDT) the machined cast component to identify NDT indications in the cast component; treating and removing NDT indications from the machined cast component; weld upgrading the treated and removed NDT indications from the machined cast component, the weld upgrading providing stress relief; intermediate nondestructive testing the cast component to identify NDT indications in the weld upgraded cast component; normalizing and temper heat treatment of the cast component; second intermediate nondestructive testing the cast component to identify NDT indications in the cast component; further treating and removing NDT indications from the cast component; post-normalization and temper weld upgrading the treated and removed NDT indications providing stress relief; and final nondestructive testing the cast component to iden

Abstract: A composite vane includes an airfoil portion having an inner core composed primarily of fiberglass epoxy; a carbon epoxy fabric located outward of the inner core; a relatively thin layer of fiberglass epoxy, and an outer metal sheath.

Abstract: A flangeless assembly for connecting tubular sections of a tubular support structure. A flangeless finger plate assembly connects adjacent tubular sections of a tubular support strucure. The finger plate assembly includes an outer finger plate, an inner finger plate, and corresponding ends of the adjacent tubular section butted at a point. Throughhole arrays are provided on each finger plate such that one throughhole array connects to a matching throughhole array on the corresponding end of the adjacent tubular section. Fastening means are provided to connect the inner and outer finger plates to the adjacent tubular sections according to the throughhole array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for joining two metal members together. The process comprises the steps of providing two parent metal members to be joined and a prealloyed interlayer foil having a melting point depressant; creating a joint interface by positioning the foil between two spaced apart surfaces of the two parent metal members to be joined together; applying a load substantially transverse to the joint interface which does not cause deformation of the surfaces; and applying localized rapid heating in the area of the joint interface at a temperature sufficient to effect bonding of the two metallic members while causing little or no degradation of microstructural or mechanical properties of the parent metal and a coarsening of grain size in rim portions of the metal members.

Abstract: A rotor disk for a gas turbine engine having an axis of rotation and an axial centerline is provided which includes a rim, forward and aft hubs, and forward and aft webs. The forward web extends between the rim and the forward hub, and the aft web extends between the rim and the aft hub. The forward and aft hubs are separated. Each web is skewed from the axial centerline. A circumferentially extending cavity is formed between the webs and the hubs.