Millimeter-wave radar imaging of wind turbine blades

UMass Lowell BTTC researchers are investigating the use of a high resolution 75 GHz radar to identify the internal defects of the fiberglass filaments in wind turbine blades. Developing the acquisition and image analysis software, the team is fabricating a laboratory based test radar and anechoic chamber for performing the preliminary measurements. Central to the team's challenge is the development of an implementable design for a manufacturing plant’s wide area inspection system. The measurements and system design will be presented.