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Presentation
Experimental damage detection of wind turbine blade using thin film sensor array
Proceedings of SPIE
  • Austin Downey, Iowa State University
  • Simon Laflamme, Iowa State University
  • Filippo Ubertini, University of Perugia
  • Partha Sarkar, Iowa State University
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Conference
SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
4-12-2017
DOI
10.1117/12.2261531
Conference Title
Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems
Conference Date
March 25-29, 2017
Geolocation
(45.5230622, -122.67648150000002)
Abstract

Damage detection of wind turbine blades is difficult due to their large sizes and complex geometries. Additionally, economic restraints limit the viability of high-cost monitoring methods. While it is possible to monitor certain global signatures through modal analysis, obtaining useful measurements over a blade's surface using off-the-shelf sensing technologies is difficult and typically not economical. A solution is to deploy dedicated sensor networks fabricated from inexpensive materials and electronics. The authors have recently developed a novel large-area electronic sensor measuring strain over very large surfaces. The sensing system is analogous to a biological skin, where local strain can be monitored over a global area. In this paper, we propose the utilization of a hybrid dense sensor network of soft elastomeric capacitors to detect, localize, and quantify damage, and resistive strain gauges to augment such dense sensor network with high accuracy data at key locations. The proposed hybrid dense sensor network is installed inside a wind turbine blade model and tested in a wind tunnel to simulate an operational environment. Damage in the form of changing boundary conditions is introduced into the monitored section of the blade. Results demonstrate the ability of the hybrid dense sensor network, and associated algorithms, to detect, localize, and quantify damage.

Comments

This proceeding is published as Austin Downey, Simon Laflamme, Filippo Ubertini, Partha Sarkar, "Experimental damage detection of wind turbine blade using thin film sensor array", Proc. SPIE 10168, Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2017, 1016815 (12 April 2017); doi: 10.1117/12.2261531. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Austin Downey, Simon Laflamme, Filippo Ubertini and Partha Sarkar. "Experimental damage detection of wind turbine blade using thin film sensor array" Portland, ORProceedings of SPIE Vol. 10168 Iss. 1016815 (2017) p. 1016815-1 - 1016815-12
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/simon_laflamme/67/