Papers by Author: John P. Dear

Abstract: This paper presents the experimental results obtained of flexurally loaded wind turbine blade cross section material. All material was extracted from a wind turbine blade box girder and testing was conducted in four point configuration. The aim was to gain an understanding of the structural integrity of this lightweight material as it deforms in flexure. To allow for thorough analysis, digital image correlation (DIC) was used to produce full field strain maps of the deforming specimens. Results highlight the capability of the DIC technique to identify regions of failure, as well as the aspects responsible for them. Overall, the results present a foundation for tests on larger substructure, and eventually integration into manufacturing and maintenance aspects of the industry.

Abstract: Cost effective and reliable operation of a power station plant and achieving low carbon dioxide emissions can be very dependent on maintenance activities. Planning maintenance to minimise the down-time of the plant is a key cost factor. It is important to have the latest data as to the age and state of the components and parts at the time of plant shut down. Indeed, deciding on the best time to shut down the plant for maintenance can depend upon trends in these data. For steam pipes, the required ageing information is the creep strain rate. These creep strain data obtained at shut down provide key information as to the needed replacement of pipes to maintain reliable plant operation. This paper presents the E.ON UK ARCMAC creep strain measurement systems that are being further developed by Imperial College London with the use of DIC and other techniques.

Abstract: Optical strain measurement techniques have been extensively developed in recent years in order to cope in various environments. Power stations and wind turbine blades can provide challenging environments for the use of a measurement technique. There are, however, many installation problems to be overcome. For example, there is the need to have regard for the hostile environment in steam generating plant and the demanding conditions to which wind turbine blades are subjected. Ideally the outputs from individual sensors would be used for continuous remote monitoring. However, measurements can also be useful each time the plant is shut down during a plant outage; which would be used to complement data from existing proven rugged monitoring methods. This paper addresses the monitoring of pressurized steam pipes as to their micro-strain growth related to time in service. This paper presents the progress made in the developing of a ruggedised digital speckle ‘sensor’ and associated image capture system. The effect of subsurface defects in the strain distribution is examined.

Abstract: Composite sandwich structures are finding increasingly widespread use in fields ranging from aerospace and wind turbines to sports applications such as skis and surfboards. The high specific stiffness that composite sandwich structures can provide lends them well to these applications. However, the operational environment of these structures is frequently aggressive and often results in damage during service. The extent and effect of damage incurred is an important factor in the design and maintenance of composite sandwich structures. Failure of an individual component can be catastrophic for the rest of the structure. The purpose of this investigation was, firstly, to ascertain whether DSP was a viable technique for determining strain fields within composite sandwich structures. Secondly, to determine whether four point flexure would give rise to pure flexure between the central rollers, and if not, to understand what load conditions were present. This investigation was also carried out with a view to extend the investigation into the effect of defects on composite sandwich structures manufactured by RIFT. The grounds for selection of composite sandwich structures normally lie in their flexural performance. Reliable and accurate quantitative testing methods for evaluating the flexural performance of sandwich panels are needed if composite sandwich structures are to be used safely and effectively. In addition, methods to determine the effect of damage and defects on flexural behaviour of sandwich structures is particularly important for designing the repair and maintenance regimes of composite sandwich components.