Activity 1.

Select one of the following modern items or devices and conduct an Internet search in order to
determine what specific material(s) is (are) used and what specific properties this (these) material(s)
possess(es) in order for the device/item to function properly. Finally, write a short essay in which you
report your findings.

o Wind turbine blades

- A wind turbine turns wind energy into electricity using the aerodynamic force from the rotor blades,
which work like an airplane wing or helicopter rotor blade.The difference in air pressure across the
two sides of the blade creates both lift and drag. A wind turbine is composed of several composite
parts; but the blades, made of fiber-reinforced epoxy or unsaturated polyester, represent the largest use
of material. Other turbine parts made of polyester include the nacelle (housing for the gearbox,
generator, and other components) and the hub. Wind turbines come in a variety of sizes, depending
upon the use of the electricity produced. A large, utility-scale turbine may have blades over 165 feet
(50 meters) long, meaning the diameter of the rotor is over 325 feet (100 meters) – more than the
length of a football field. Did you know how fast the blades on a wind turbine turn? Approximately 20
revolutions per minute, Depending on wind conditions, the blades turn at rates between 10 and 20
revolutions per minute. Considering the length of the blades with average wind speeds of 13 to 15
mph, the tips are traveling at 120 mph. At maximum wind speeds, the blade tips are spinning at an
estimated 180 mph. The generator in a wind turbine produces alternating current (AC) electricity.
Some turbines drive an AC/AC converter—which converts the AC to direct current (DC) with a
rectifier and then back to AC with an inverter—in order to match the frequency and phase of the
grid.This leads to a more stable power system.