Damage assessment of hydrokinetic composite turbine blades

Steve E. Watkins, Kevin E. Robison, James R. Nicholas, Greg A. Taylor, K. Chandrashekhara, Joshua L. Rovey

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Damage assessment of composite blades is investigated for hydrokinetic turbine applications in which low-velocity impact damage is possible. The blades are carbon/epoxy laminates that are made using an out-of-autoclave process and the blade design is a hydrofoil with constant cross-section. Both undamaged and damaged blades are manufactured and instrumented with strain sensors. Water tunnel testing is conducted with varying flow velocities and for different blade angles. A theoretical simulation is included that is based on finite-element method. The influence of damage on the response characteristics is discussed as an indicator of structural health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security 2013
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
EventNondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security 2013 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Mar 11 2013Mar 14 2013

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8694
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherNondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period3/11/133/14/13

Keywords

  • Composite blades
  • Health monitoring
  • Smart structures
  • Strain analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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