High Precision Ultrasonic Guided Wave Technique for Inspection of Power Transmission Line

• Published in: Chinese journal of mechanical engineering 2017, Vol.30 (1), p.170-179
• Main Authors: Cheng, Jun, Qiu, Jinhao, Ji, Hongli, Wang, Enrong, Takagi, Toshiyuki, Uchimoto, Tetsuya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Defects; Dispersion curve analysis; Elastic waves; Electrical Machines and Networks; Electronics and Microelectronics; Engineering; Engineering Thermodynamics; Heat and Mass Transfer; Inspection; Instrumentation; Machines; Manufacturing; Mechanical Engineering; Piezoelectricity; Power Electronics; Power lines; Processes; Propagation; Propagation modes; Repair & maintenance; Single wires; Surface defects; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Transmission lines; Ultrasonic testing; Wave propagation; 压电元件; 实验测试; 导波技术; 线路检测; 表面缺陷; 超声导波; 输电线路; 高精度
• ISSN: 1000-9345; 2192-8258
• DOI: 10.3901/CJME.2016.1019.122

Due to the merits of high inspection speed and long detecting distance, Ultrasonic Guided Wave（UGW） method has been commonly applied to the on-line maintenance of power transmission line. However, the guided wave propagation in this structure is very complicated, leading to the unfavorable defect localization accuracy. Aiming at this situation, a high precision UGW technique for inspection of local surface defect in power transmission line is proposed. The technique is realized by adopting a novel segmental piezoelectric ring transducer and transducer mounting scheme, combining with the comprehensive characterization of wave propagation and circumferential defect positioning with multiple piezoelectric elements. Firstly, the propagation path of guided waves in the multi-wires of transmission line under the proposed technique condition is investigated experimentally. Next, the wave velocities are calculated by dispersion curves and experiment test respectively, and from comparing of the two results, the guided wave mode propagated in transmission line is confirmed to be F（1,1） mode. Finally, the axial and circumferential positioning of local defective wires in transmission line are both achieved, by using multiple piezoelectric elements to surround the stands and send elastic waves into every single wire. The proposed research can play a role of guiding the development of highly effective UGW method and detecting system for multi-wire transmission line.