Tuulikuormat

Tuulikuormat are the forces and moments produced by wind acting on structures and mechanical systems. In wind engineering they include static pressures, dynamic fluctuations, gust loads, turbulence, and inertial effects on components such as surfaces, towers, blades, and foundations. The size of tuulikuormat depends on wind speed profiles, terrain, height, exposure, and the geometry and orientation of the structure.

In wind turbine engineering, tuulikuormat describe the aerodynamic forces on the rotor and blades, the nacelle, and the tower, as well as the transmitted loads at the foundation. They combine with gravitational and inertial forces and are critical for ensuring reliability, fatigue life, and safety under normal operation and extreme gusts.

Assessment typically uses wind climate data, height- and terrain-dependent exposure, and modeling methods ranging from simplified design wind loads to time-series dynamic analysis. Design standards guiding tuulikuormat include Eurocode 1 (EN 1991-1-4) for wind actions and the IEC 61400 family for wind turbine design, along with national annexes and regulations.

Understanding tuulikuormat informs design, maintenance planning, and risk management in modern wind energy and tall structures.