Adaptive optimisation of multi-aperture ultrasonic phased array imaging for increased inspection speeds of wind turbine blade composite panels. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duernberger, Euan; MacLeod, Charles; Lines, Dave; Loukas, Charalampos; Vasilev, Momchil
• Is Part Of: NDT & E international. Volume 132(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Nondestructive testing -- Periodicals; Contrôle non destructif -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.1127
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ndteint.2022.102725
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8695

Abstract

Abstract: Ultrasonic phased array testing is a commonly used inspection modality in a range of non-destructive testing (NDT) fields. The recent rapid growth in demand for wind turbine installations means that blade manufacturers must address any potential NDT bottlenecks. Multi-aperture (MA) beamforming has previously been shown to increase frame rates, and hence inspection speed, when compared to traditional linear beamforming, in both NDT as well as medical applications. In this work an adaptive MA and spacing concept is presented to autonomously optimise the MA focal laws for the sample in question as well as a critical defect size. For this, full-matrix capture (FMC) data from a calibration sample, designed specifically for the target defect size and spacing, is used to drive the resultant optimised inspection scenario. A 6.7-fold increase in scanning speed with no degradation in resolution or defect sizing accuracy is reported. Three inspection scenarios are presented using firstly linear beamforming at 3.0 mms −1 and 22.0 mms −1 and finally MA beamforming at 22.0 mms −1 . Resolutions of 0.8, 5.4 and 0.8 mm in the scan axis are recorded and consequently the optimum scenario, allowing for high resolution at the higher scanning speed, is presented. The concept and process are verified and validated by C-scan inspections of a carbon fibre re-enforced plastic (CFRP) sample, at varying inspection parameters, commonly used in high-power blade construction.