https://share-ng.sandia.gov/news/resources/news_releases/big_blades/#.WtBYq4jwY2w
SUMR’s load-alignment is bio-inspired by the way palm trees move in storms. The lightweight, segmented trunk approximates a series of cylindrical shells that bend in the wind while retaining segment stiffness. This alignment radically reduces the mass required for blade stiffening by reducing the forces on the blades using the palm-tree inspired load-alignment approach.
Segmented turbine blades have a significant advantage in parts of the world at risk for severe storms, such as hurricanes, where offshore turbines must withstand tremendous wind speeds over 200 mph. The blades align themselves to reduce cantilever forces on the blade through a trunnion hinge near the hub that responds to changes in wind speed.
I think much large scale construction will eventually move in a similar direction. My analogy was a combination of vertebrate spines and insect exoskeletons but I guess palm trees work better. I think it is in an interesting area of research.
