John Alexander Steel

Bio: John Alexander Steel is an academic researcher from Heriot-Watt University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Acoustic emission & Sound transmission class. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 59 publications receiving 1319 citations. Previous affiliations of John Alexander Steel include Robert Gordon University.

A new method for waveform analysis for estimating AE wave arrival times using wavelet decomposition

Abstract: Here we describe a new method for determination of Acoustic Emission (AE) wave arrival times for source location purposes. In complex structures or structures of small dimension, an AE source can rapidly become distorted by the presence of several modes travelling at different speeds, and through contamination by reflections and mode conversions. Using a simple geometry of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, the responses acquired from two-sensor and four-sensor arrays have been analysed using a variety of techniques, which are variants on identification of first arrival time and/or the arrival of the maximum intensity of the wave. The methods are compared in terms of the consistency of the velocity which is indicated at different points in the arrays, and a method based on wavelet decomposition, filtering and threshold-crossing is recommended as the most consistent and accurate method of determining arrival time.

A progressive study into offshore wind farm maintenance optimisation using risk based failure analysis

Abstract: Offshore Wind Farm consists of an array of Wind Turbines electrical, communication, command and control systems. At present the cost of maintaining Wind Turbines in the offshore locations is very high (about 35% of lifetime costs). This work puts emphasis on using failure analysis as a basis for designing a condition based prognostic maintenance plan in order to control cost of power and make maintenance more efficient. An essential aspect of such failure analysis is to identify wind turbine components, ascertain their failures and find root causes of the failures. However as a first step, identification of prominent failures in the critical assemblies of a wind turbine using available inspection methods and making provisions to control their occurrence would make significant contribution in improving wind turbine reliability. This work introduces Failure Modes Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) as an important failure analysis tool that has in the past successfully benefitted the airlines, marine, nuclear and spacecraft industries. FMECA is a structured failure analysis technique that can also evaluate the risk and priority number of a failure and hence assist in prioritising maintenance works. The work shows, how with a slight modification of the existing FMECA method, a very useful failure analysis method can be developed for offshore wind turbines including its operational uniqueness. This work further proposes modifying the format for calculating the Risk Priority Number (RPN) for wind turbine failure. By using wind turbine gearbox as a case study, this work illustrates the usefulness of RPN number in identifying failures which can assist in designing cost effective maintenance plan. Some preliminary results of a FMECA tool that has been developed to automatically evaluate the effects and criticality of a failure in a wind turbine at the component level is included.

Detection of incipient cavitation in pumps using acoustic emission.

Abstract: This work concerns the detection of incipient cavitation in pumps using acoustic emission (AE). Three activities have been pursued in this context: (a) the construction of a small-scale rig for the investigation of cavitation detection using AE sensors; (b) the acquisition of data on a 75 kW single-stage centrifugal pump in an industrial test loop under normal running and cavitation conditions; (c) the determination of parameters that could be used for the early diagnosis of cavitation within pumps.In the laboratory-scale apparatus water was pumped around a short loop by a 3 kW centrifugal pump. The flow loop contained a section specifically designed to induce cavitation by means of reducing the pressure level to that of the vapour pressure of the fluid. This apparatus was used to produce a variety of well-controlled cavitation conditions which were useful in determining the suitability of AE for the detection of cavitation.The industrial-scale tests consisted of progressively reducing the net pos...

Time Series—A Biostatistical Introduction

Abstract: (1992). Time Series—A Biostatistical Introduction. Technometrics: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 229-230.

Wireless Sensor Networks for Condition Monitoring in the Railway Industry: A Survey

Abstract: In recent years, the range of sensing technologies has expanded rapidly, whereas sensor devices have become cheaper. This has led to a rapid expansion in condition monitoring of systems, structures, vehicles, and machinery using sensors. Key factors are the recent advances in networking technologies such as wireless communication and mobile ad hoc networking coupled with the technology to integrate devices. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can be used for monitoring the railway infrastructure such as bridges, rail tracks, track beds, and track equipment along with vehicle health monitoring such as chassis, bogies, wheels, and wagons. Condition monitoring reduces human inspection requirements through automated monitoring, reduces maintenance through detecting faults before they escalate, and improves safety and reliability. This is vital for the development, upgrading, and expansion of railway networks. This paper surveys these wireless sensors network technology for monitoring in the railway industry for analyzing systems, structures, vehicles, and machinery. This paper focuses on practical engineering solutions, principally, which sensor devices are used and what they are used for; and the identification of sensor configurations and network topologies. It identifies their respective motivations and distinguishes their advantages and disadvantages in a comparative review.

Development of Acoustic Emission Technology for Condition Monitoring andDiagnosis of Rotating Machines; Bearings, Pumps, Gearboxes, Engines and RotatingStructures.

Abstract: One of the earliest documented applications of acoustic emission technology (AET) to rotating machinery monitoring was in the late 1960s. Since then, there has been an explosion in research- and application-based studies covering bearings, pumps, gearboxes, engines, and rotating structures. In this paper we present a comprehensive and critical review to date on the application of AET to condition monitoring and diagnostics of rotating machinery.