Nondestructive Evaluation of the Turbine Blade of Wind Energy By Using T-Ray

A study of terahertz waves (T-ray) was made for the nondestructive evaluation of FRP (Fiber reinforced plastics) composite materials. The to-be-used systems were time domain spectroscopy (TDS) and continuous wave (CW). The composite materials investigated include both turbine blades of wind energy (non-conducting polymeric composites) and conducting carbon fiber composites. Terahertz signals in the TDS mode resembles that of ultrasound; however, unlike ultrasound, a terahertz pulse was not able to detect a material with conductivity. This was demonstrated in CFRP (Carbon fiber reinforced plastics) laminates. Refractive index (n) was defined as one of mechanical properties; so a method was solved in order solve the "n" in the material with the cut parts of the turbine blades of wind energy. The defects and anomalies investigated by terahertz radiation were foreign material inclusions and simulated disband. Especially, it is found that the T-ray went through the turbine blade with greater thickness (about 90mm).