Structural Member with X-Web

Abstract

Disclosed is a structure that may include a first flange, a second flange, and a web connecting the first flange to the second flange. In example embodiments, the web may include at least one end with at least two angled members attaching to one of the first flange and the second flange and another end connecting to the other of the first flange and the second flange. Disclosed also is a wind turbine blade that includes the structure.

What we claim is: 
     
         1 . A structure comprised of:
 a first flange;   a second flange; and   a web connecting the first flange to the second flange, wherein the web includes at least one end with at least two angled members attaching to one of the first flange and the second flange and another end connecting to the other of the first flange and the second flange.   
     
     
         2 . The structure according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the web is comprised of a core sandwiched between a first layer and a second layer.   
     
     
         3 . The structure according to  claim 2 , wherein the core includes one of an X-shaped core and a V-shaped core. 
     
     
         4 . The structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the web has a substantially X-shape and the at least one end with at least two angled members attaching to one of the first flange and the second flange includes two angled members attaching to the first flange. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 4 , wherein the another end connecting to the other of the first flange and the second flange includes two angled members attaching the second flange. 
     
     
         6 . A wind turbine blade including the structure of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         7 . The wind turbine blade according to  claim 6 , wherein
 the web has a substantially X-shape and at least one end with at least two angled members attaching to one of the first flange and the second flange includes two angled members attaching to the first flange.   
     
     
         8 . The wind turbine blade according to  claim 7 , wherein the another end connecting to the other of the first flange and the second flange includes two angled members attaching the second flange. 
     
     
         9 . The wind turbine blade according to  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a shell enclosing the web.   
     
     
         10 . The wind turbine blade according to  claim 6 , wherein the web has one of an X shape, a Y shape, a double Y shape, and a Ψ-shape. 
     
     
         11 . The wind turbine blade according to  claim 6 , wherein the web runs along a substantial length of the blade.