Non‐destructive and contactless defect detection inside leading edge coatings for wind turbine blades using mid‐infrared optical coherence tomography

Leading edge erosion of wind turbine blades is one the most critical issues in energy production, resulting lower efficiency, as well increased maintenance costs and downtime. Erosion initiated by impacts from rain droplets other atmospheric particles, so to protect blades, special protective coatings are applied increase their lifetime without adding significantly weight or friction blade. These should ideally absorb distribute force away point impact; however, microscopic defects, such bubbles, reduce mechanical performance coating, leading cracks eventually erosion. In this work, mid-infrared (MIR) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) investigated for non-destructive, contactless inspection coated glass-fiber composite samples identify subsurface coating defects. The were tested using rubber projectiles simulate droplet particle impacts. subsequently imaged OCT, optical microscopy, X-ray tomography. OCT scanning revealed both bubbles below surface, which would not have been detected ultrasonic similar non-destructive methods. way, can complement existing quality control blade manufacturing, help improve lifetime, environmental impact