2025 SMSI Bannerklein

D9.4 Detection of Initial Subsurface Defects in Rotor Blade Leading Edges of Wind Turbines by Means of Active Thermography

Event
SMSI 2021
2021-05-03 - 2021-05-06
digital
Band
SMSI 2021 - Measurement Science
Chapter
D9 Applications II
Author(s)
F. Jensen, M. Sorg, A. Fischer - University of Bremen, Bremen (Germany)
Pages
289 - 290
DOI
10.5162/SMSI2021/D9.4
ISBN
978-3-9819376-4-0
Price
free

Abstract

The surface condition of the leading edge of rotor blades has a significant influence on the lifetime and performance of a wind turbine. Initial subsurface defects like air traps can lead to a premature surface damage by erosion, and a delayed defect detection results in high maintenance and repair costs. Active thermography is proposed as a non-destructive and in situ measuring method to visualize damage patterns on the rotor blade leading edges and to make initial subsurface defects visible. In particular, it enables the investigation of the damage development for mechanical impacts such as rain drops.

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