Abstract: A method of making a component with an integral strain indicator includes forming the component from a first material, where the component has an outer surface and an internal volume; and directly depositing a plurality of fiducial markers on a portion of the outer surface. The fiducial markers are formed from a second material that is compatible with the first material, and the portion of the outer surface defines an analysis region on the outer surface of the component. The analysis region defines a gage length, and each fiducial marker of the plurality of fiducial markers has a maximum diameter of between one-tenth and one-twentieth of the gage length. Periodic measurement of the fiducial marker positions is performed to monitor component strain.

Abstract: Methods of making a component with an integral strain indicator and methods of monitoring such components are provided. A method for making a component includes forming the component, the component including an internal volume and an outer surface. The method further includes forming a plurality of fiducial markers on the component, wherein each of the plurality of fiducial markers is a depression defined in the component. The plurality of fiducial markers are positioned in an analysis region of the component.

Abstract: Data acquisition devices for analyzing reference objects and systems for monitoring component deformation are provided. A data acquisition device has a longitudinal axis and includes a lens assembly and an image capture device in communication with the lens assembly for receiving and processing light from the lens assembly to generate images. The data acquisition device further includes a light source and a light tube coupled at a rear end to the light source. The light tube extends along the longitudinal axis between a front end and the rear end, and is operable to transport light from the light source therethrough and emit the light from the front end. The data acquisition device further includes an actuator operable to activate the image capture device and the light source.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring a component in a turbomachine can include a strain sensor comprising at least two reference points disposed on a surface of the component, and a data acquisition device connected to the turbomachine comprising a field of view, wherein the field of view is positioned to at least periodically capture the strain sensor on the component.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a component includes providing the component which includes a body having an exterior surface and a plurality of passive strain indicators configured on the exterior surface. The method includes directly measuring the component with at least one three-dimensional data acquisition device. The direct measurement generates a first point cloud and a plurality of second point clouds. The first point cloud corresponds to the exterior surface and includes a plurality of first data points, each data point having an X-axis coordinate, a Y-axis coordinate, and a Z-axis coordinate. Each second point cloud corresponds to one of the plurality of passive strain indicators and includes a plurality of second data points, each data point having an X-axis coordinate, a Y-axis coordinate, and a Z-axis coordinate. A second data point density of each second point cloud is greater than a first data point density of each first point cloud.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing passive strain indicator on turbine components include providing a turbine component comprising an exterior surface, and, depositing a ceramic material onto a portion of the exterior surface to form a passive strain indicator comprising at least two reference points.

Abstract: A method of making a component with a passive strain indicator includes forming the component including an outer surface thereof. The passive strain indicator includes a shim with a plurality of fiducial markers. The method also includes forming the plurality of fiducial markers on the shim by deforming selected locations on the shim. The method further includes attaching a portion of the shim to the outer surface of the component. Forming the component and forming the passive strain indicator are performed separately prior to attaching the shim to the outer surface of the component. A system for monitoring strain includes a component and a passive strain indicator. A portion of the passive strain indicator is integrally joined with the outer surface of the component. The passive strain indicator includes a shim and a plurality of fiducial markers. Each fiducial marker is a discrete three-dimensional feature on the shim.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, components, and methods for visual creep inspection of rotating components, such as those in a gas turbine. A component is provided with an external surface and an axis of rotation. The external surface has a circumference and a plurality of three dimensional reference marks forming a reference pattern along the circumference. An optical data capture device generates a data signal based on the plurality of three dimensional reference marks. A data analysis system processes the data signal to calculate a deviation in spacing of the reference pattern along the circumference and determines a strain or creep measurement.

Abstract: Data acquisition devices for analyzing reference objects and systems for monitoring turbine component deformation are provided. A data acquisition device has a longitudinal axis and includes a lens assembly and an image capture device in communication with the lens assembly for receiving and processing light from the lens assembly to generate images. The data acquisition device further includes a light source and a light tube coupled at a rear end to the light source. The light tube extends along the longitudinal axis between a front end and the rear end, and is operable to transport light from the light source therethrough and emit the light from the front end. The data acquisition device further includes an actuator operable to activate the image capture device and the light source.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a component includes providing the component which includes a body having an exterior surface and a plurality of passive strain indicators configured on the exterior surface. The method includes directly measuring the component with at least one three-dimensional data acquisition device. The direct measurement generates a first point cloud and a plurality of second point clouds. The first point cloud corresponds to the exterior surface and includes a plurality of first data points, each data point having an X-axis coordinate, a Y-axis coordinate, and a Z-axis coordinate. Each second point cloud corresponds to one of the plurality of passive strain indicators and includes a plurality of second data points, each data point having an X-axis coordinate, a Y-axis coordinate, and a Z-axis coordinate. A second data point density of each second point cloud is greater than a first data point density of each first point cloud.

Abstract: A method of making a component includes forming the component, the component including an internal volume including a first material and an outer surface. The method further includes directly depositing a plurality of fiducial markers on the outer surface, the fiducial markers including a second material that is compatible with the first material. The plurality of fiducial markers form a passive strain indicator, the passive strain indicator including an analysis region, a locator region, and a serial region. At least one of the plurality of fiducial markers is deposited in each of the analysis region, the locator region, and the serial region.

Abstract: A method of making a component with a passive strain indicator includes forming the component including an outer surface thereof. The passive strain indicator includes a shim with a plurality of fiducial markers. The method also includes forming the plurality of fiducial markers on the shim by deforming selected locations on the shim. The method further includes attaching a portion of the shim to the outer surface of the component. Forming the component and forming the passive strain indicator are performed separately prior to attaching the shim to the outer surface of the component. A system for monitoring strain includes a component and a passive strain indicator. A portion of the passive strain indicator is integrally joined with the outer surface of the component. The passive strain indicator includes a shim and a plurality of fiducial markers. Each fiducial marker is a discrete three-dimensional feature on the shim.

Abstract: Methods of making a component with an integral strain indicator and methods of monitoring such components are provided. A method for making a component includes forming the component, the component including an internal volume and an outer surface. The method further includes forming a plurality of fiducial markers on the component, wherein each of the plurality of fiducial markers is a depression defined in the component. The plurality of fiducial markers are positioned in an analysis region of the component.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring component strain, and methods for making a component with an integral strain indicator. A method of making a component with an integral strain indicator includes forming the component with an internal volume formed from a first material and an outer surface and directly depositing a plurality of fiducial markers on a portion of the outer surface. The fiducial markers are formed from a second material that is compatible with the first material and the portion of the outer surface defines an analysis region on the outer surface of the component. The analysis region defines a gage length, and each fiducial marker of the plurality of fiducial markers has a maximum diameter of between one-tenth and one-twentieth of the gage length.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a components include locating a plurality of machined surface features on the component, locating at least one reference point, and measuring a plurality of first distances between the plurality of machined surface features and the at least one reference point.

Abstract: Data acquisition devices for analyzing reference objects and systems for monitoring turbine component deformation are provided. A data acquisition device has a longitudinal axis and includes a lens assembly and an image capture device in communication with the lens assembly for receiving and processing light from the lens assembly to generate images. The data acquisition device further includes a light source and a light tube coupled at a rear end to the light source. The light tube extends along the longitudinal axis between a front end and the rear end, and is operable to transport light from the light source therethrough and emit the light from the front end. The data acquisition device further includes an actuator operable to activate the image capture device and the light source.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, components, and methods for visual creep inspection of rotating components, such as those in a gas turbine. A component is provided with an external surface and an axis of rotation. The external surface has a circumference and a plurality of three dimensional reference marks forming a reference pattern along the circumference. An optical data capture device generates a data signal based on the plurality of three dimensional reference marks. A data analysis system processes the data signal to calculate a deviation in spacing of the reference pattern along the circumference and determines a strain or creep measurement.

Abstract: Methods for determining strain on turbine components include providing a turbine component comprising a plurality of strain sensor reference features disposed along the turbine component separated from one another by a plurality of first distances at a first time, reading the plurality of strain sensor reference features at a second time to determine a plurality of second distances between the plurality of strain sensor reference features, and comparing the plurality of second distances to the plurality of first distances to determine a plurality of non-linear strain measurements between the plurality of strain sensor reference features.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring components are provided. A component has an exterior surface. A method includes locating a centroid of a reference feature configured on the component, and measuring a first value of a characteristic of the reference feature relative to the centroid at a first time. The method further includes measuring a second value of the characteristic relative to the centroid at a second time after the first time, and comparing the first value and the second value.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for monitoring turbine component deformation are provided. An assembly includes a first strain sensor configurable on the turbine component, the first strain sensor including at least two reference points and having a first dimension. The assembly further includes a second strain sensor configurable on the turbine component, the second strain sensor including at least two reference points and having a first dimension which corresponds to the first dimension of the first strain sensor. An initial value of the first dimension of the second strain sensor is different from an initial value of the first dimension of the first strain sensor. In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for monitoring turbine component deformation is provided.