Defects identification of wind turbine blades based on radiographic testing

As a crucial component of wind energy systems, wind turbine blades are susceptible to various defects during manufacturing and operation due to the influence of production processes and material properties. These defects can lead to blade damage, potentially affecting the normal operation of the entire turbine. Therefore, advancing research in the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of wind turbine blades is vital for ensuring the operational reliability of the wind turbine system, minimising maintenance costs, and enhancing overall safety. In this study, radiographic testing(RT) is employed to address the most common defect issues in the adhesive bonding areas of the blade’s trailing edge core material. The testing system is designed through detailed modelling, followed by the simulated detection and experimental measurement of blade samples. The imaging results indicate that RT can accurately display the location, shape, and size of defect bubbles with dimensions of 10 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm, meeting market requirements. This confirms the feasibility of the method for blade inspection and provides a theoretical foundation and technical support for the future development of radiographic NDT systems for wind turbine blades.