Abstract
We report, for the first time, a low cost, compact, and novel mechanically designed extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI)-based optical fiber sensor with a strain amplification mechanism for strain measurement. The fundamental design principle includes a buckled beam with a coated gold layer, mounted on two grips. A Fabry-Perot cavity is produced between the buckled beam and the endface of a single mode fiber (SMF). A ceramic ferrule is applied for supporting and orienting the SMF. The principal sensor elements are packaged and protected by two designed metal shells. The midpoint of the buckled beam will experience a deflection vertically when the beam is subjected to a horizontally/axially compressive displacement. It has been found that the vertical deflection of the beam at midpoint can be 6-17 times larger than the horizontal/axial displacement, which forms the basis of a strain amplification mechanism. The user-configurable buckling beam geometry-based strain amplification mechanism enables the strain sensor to achieve a wide range of strain measurement sensitivities. The designed EFPI was used to monitor shrinkage of a square brick of mortar. The strain was measured during the drying/curing stage. We envision that it could be a good strain sensor to be embedded in civil materials/structures under a harsh environment for a prolonged period of time.
Recommended Citation
Y. Du et al., "An Embeddable Optical Strain Gauge based on a Buckled Beam," Review of Scientific Instruments, vol. 88, no. 11, American Institute of Physics (AIP), Nov 2017.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5004109
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Sponsor(s)
University of Missouri Research Board
Missouri University of Science and Technology. Materials Research Center
Missouri University of Science and Technology. Intelligent Systems Center
Keywords and Phrases
Fabry-Perot interferometers; Fiber optic sensors; Gold coatings; Optical fibers; Single mode fibers; Strain gages; Strain measurement, Extrinsic Fabry Perot interferometer; Fabry-Perot cavity; Fundamental design; Harsh environment; Measurement sensitivity; Strain amplification; User configurable; Vertical deflections, Buckling
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0034-6748
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2017 American Institute of Physics (AIP), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Nov 2017
Comments
This work was supported by the University of Missouri Research Board, the Materials Research Center at Missouri S&T, and the ISC Postdoctoral Matching Funds at Missouri S&T.