The increasing prominence of glass-fibre-reinforced plastics (GFRPs) in the wind energy industry, due to their exceptional combination of strength, low weight, and resistance to corrosion, makes them an ideal candidate for enhancing the performance and durability of wind turbine blades. The unique properties of GFRPs not only contribute to reduced energy costs through improved aerodynamic efficiency but also extend the operational lifespan of wind turbines. By modifying the epoxy resin with carbon nanofillers, an even higher degree of performance can be achieved. In this work, graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)-enhanced GFRPs are produced through industrial methods (filament winding) and coupons are extracted and tested for their mechanical performance after harsh environmental aging in high temperature and moisture. GNPs enhance the in-plane shear strength of GFRP by 200%, while reducing their water uptake by as much as 40%.

The use of composite materials for the manufacturing of power transmission shafts attracts particular interest. Especially for the marine sector, apart from their high strength and light weight, composite shafts offer the advantages of high fatigue and corrosion resistance. In the context of the present work, advanced finite element models are developed for the simulation of the mechanical behavior of composite shafts. The calibration and validation of the finite element models is pursued by the comparison of their results with experimental data acquired from the industry and literature. These models will consist the base for the future development of the digital twins of composite materials shafts.