Autonomous Micro Aerial Vehicles in Confined Penstock Environments.pdf
in: Makine Mühendisliği Alanında Uluslararası Araştırmalar - IV / International Research in the Field of Mechanical Engineering, SOYGÜDER SERVET, Editor, Eğitim Yayınevi, İstanbul, pp.85-99, 2025
- Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Vocational Book
- Publication Date: 2025
- Publisher: Eğitim Yayınevi
- City: İstanbul
- Page Numbers: pp.85-99
- Editors: SOYGÜDER SERVET, Editor
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Large-scale hydraulic infrastructures, including dams, penstocks, gates, and underground conveyance components, are critical assets for energy production and water management. Among these structures, penstocks are particularly challenging to inspect because they are enclosed, extremely long, unilluminated, and often located underground or along steeply inclined sections. Their operation under high dynamic pressure, combined with long-term exposure to corrosion, cyclic loading, and metal fatigue, makes regular inspection essential for structural safety. Failure to detect degradation in these components may lead to severe consequences, including dam failure, flooding, landslides, and large-scale economic and environmental damage. In addition to penstocks, auxiliary structures such as scroll cases, main gates, and spill gates also require systematic monitoring and maintenance. This study emphasizes the inspection challenges associated with hydraulic infrastructure and motivates the need for reliable, safe, and effective inspection methods for confined and hazardous dam environments.