Christy J Nichols

Bio: Christy J Nichols is an academic researcher from Durham University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Interferometry & Fiber Bragg grating. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 77 citations.

Bragg grating-based fibre optic sensors in structural health monitoring.

Abstract: This work first considers a review of the dominant current methods for fibre Bragg grating wavelength interrogation. These methods include WDM interferometry, tunable filter (both Fabry–Perot and acousto-optic) demultiplexing, CCD/prism technique and a newer hybrid method utilizing Fabry–Perot and interferometric techniques. Two applications using these techniques are described: hull loads monitoring on an allcomposite fast patrol boat and bolt pre-load loss monitoring in a composite beam in conjunction with a state-space modelling data analysis technique.

An introduction to structural health monitoring

Abstract: This introduction begins with a brief history of SHM technology development. Recent research has begun to recognise that a productive approach to the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) problem is to regard it as one of statistical pattern recognition (SPR); a paradigm addressing the problem in such a way is described in detail herein as it forms the basis for the organisation of this book. In the process of providing the historical overview and summarising the SPR paradigm, the subsequent chapters in this book are cited in an effort to show how they fit into this overview of SHM. In the conclusions are stated a number of technical challenges that the authors believe must be addressed if SHM is to gain wider acceptance.

Fibre Optic Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Aircraft Composite Structures: Recent Advances and Applications.

Abstract: In-service structural health monitoring of composite aircraft structures plays a key role in the assessment of their performance and integrity. In recent years, Fibre Optic Sensors (FOS) have proved to be a potentially excellent technique for real-time in-situ monitoring of these structures due to their numerous advantages, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, small size, light weight, durability, and high bandwidth, which allows a great number of sensors to operate in the same system, and the possibility to be integrated within the material. However, more effort is still needed to bring the technology to a fully mature readiness level. In this paper, recent research and applications in structural health monitoring of composite aircraft structures using FOS have been critically reviewed, considering both the multi-point and distributed sensing techniques.

Fiber optic sensors for structural health monitoring of air platforms.

Abstract: Aircraft operators are faced with increasing requirements to extend the service life of air platforms beyond their designed life cycles, resulting in heavy maintenance and inspection burdens as well as economic pressure. Structural health monitoring (SHM) based on advanced sensor technology is potentially a cost-effective approach to meet operational requirements, and to reduce maintenance costs. Fiber optic sensor technology is being developed to provide existing and future aircrafts with SHM capability due to its unique superior characteristics. This review paper covers the aerospace SHM requirements and an overview of the fiber optic sensor technologies. In particular, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor technology is evaluated as the most promising tool for load monitoring and damage detection, the two critical SHM aspects of air platforms. At last, recommendations on the implementation and integration of FBG sensors into an SHM system are provided.

Structural health monitoring of offshore wind turbines: A review through the Statistical Pattern Recognition Paradigm

Abstract: Offshore Wind has become the most profitable renewable energy source due to the remarkable development it has experienced in Europe over the last decade. In this paper, a review of Structural Health Monitoring Systems (SHMS) for offshore wind turbines (OWT) has been carried out considering the topic as a Statistical Pattern Recognition problem. Therefore, each one of the stages of this paradigm has been reviewed focusing on OWT application. These stages are: Operational Evaluation; Data Acquisition, Normalization and Cleansing; Feature Extraction and Information Condensation; and Statistical Model Development. It is expected that optimizing each stage, SHMS can contribute to the development of efficient Condition-Based Maintenance Strategies. Optimizing this strategy will help reduce labor costs of OWTs׳ inspection, avoid unnecessary maintenance, identify design weaknesses before failure, improve the availability of power production while preventing wind turbines׳ overloading, therefore, maximizing the investments׳ return. In the forthcoming years, a growing interest in SHM technologies for OWT is expected, enhancing the potential of offshore wind farm deployments further offshore. Increasing efficiency in operational management will contribute towards achieving UK׳s 2020 and 2050 targets, through ultimately reducing the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE).

Review of structural health and cure monitoring techniques for large wind turbine blades

Abstract: A review of structural health monitoring methods, including residual cure strain monitoring is presented for the wind turbine blade industry. A comparison is presented for dielectric, acoustic, ultrasonic, thermal and fibre optic monitoring methods. This review highlights the need for further development in this area, with potential savings to manufacturing time and reductions in cost through quality control measures, including furthering the scientific understanding of cure strain, are just some of the downstream benefits. Upstream benefits include increased investor confidence through better design, manufacture and operational practises.