Ut-Battelle, Inc.

Hong Wang

Jy-An Wang

Fei Ren

Thomas S Cox

Ting Tan

Systems, methods and piezoelectric patches are provided for monitoring the structural health of connectors in overhead transmission lines. A plurality of piezoelectric patches is mounted to different locations on the connector. At least one of the patches is actuated using an AC voltage and certain electrical properties either from the same patch or of a different patch are evaluated over time to determine the structural health of the connectors.

Systems, methods and patches for monitoring a structural health of a connector in overhead transmission lines

An apparatusfor simulating a pulsed pressure induced cavitation technique (PPCT) from a pressurized working fluid (F) provides laboratory research and development for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), oil, and gas wells. A pumpis configured to deliver a pressurized working fluid (F) to a control valve, which produces a pulsed pressure wave in a test chamber. The pulsed pressure wave parameters are defined by the pumppressure and control valvecycle rate. When a working fluid (F) and a rock specimenare included in the apparatus, the pulsed pressure wave causes cavitation to occur at the surface of the specimen, thus initiating an extensive network of fracturing surfaces and micro fissures, which are examined by researchers.

Specimen for evaluating pressure pulse cavitation in rock formations

A rotary shutter valveis used for geothermal reservoir stimulation. The valveincludes a pressure chamberfor holding a working fluid (F) under pressure. A rotatable shutteris turned with a powering deviceto periodically align one or more windowswith one or more aperturesin a bulkhead. When aligned, the pressurized working fluid (F) flows through the bulkheadand enters a pulse cavity, where it is discharged from the pulse cavityas pressure waves. The pressure wave propagationand eventual collapse of the bubblescan be transmitted to a target rock surfaceeither in the form of a shock wave, or by micro jets, depending on the bubble-surface distance. Once cavitation at the rock face begins, fractures are initiated in the rock to create a network of micro-fissures for enhanced heat transfer.

Cavitation-based hydro-fracturing technique for geothermal reservoir stimulation

Cavitation-based hydro-fracturing simulator

Embodiments for apparatuses for testing reversal bending fatigue in an elongated beam are disclosed. Embodiments are configured to be coupled to first and second end portions of the beam and to apply a bending moment to the beam and create a pure bending condition in an intermediate portion of the beam. Embodiments are further configured to cyclically alternate the direction of the bending moment applied to the beam such that the intermediate portion of the beam cyclically bends in opposite directions in a pure bending condition.

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Oak Ridge, TN, United States of America

Hong Wang