Strain Mapping of Bolted Composite Airframes using Fiber Optic Sensors
Abstract
Composites are used as structural materials for aerospace applications due to their high strengthto-weight ratio, low weight and high corrosion resistance compared to metals. However, due to their anisotropic nature, damage initiation and propagation is far more complex. Fiber optic sensors provide a robust means of non-destructive evaluation of high performance composite materials during service. In this research, fiber optic sensors are used to detect strain distribution around fastener holes in a composite airframe. Composite panels are manufactured using carbon fiber/toughened epoxy (IM7/977-3) prepregs and holes are drilled to accommodate Hi-Lok fastener pins. Data from fiber optic sensors is used to detect changes in strain distribution around the hole due to unbalanced mechanical loads. A comprehensive three-dimensional finite element model is developed for simulating strain distribution around the hole, under tensile load. The optimal locations for bonding the optical fibers are estimated from the measured strain distribution. The sensor output is compared with the result of numerical simulation.
Recommended Citation
S. Anandan et al., "Strain Mapping of Bolted Composite Airframes using Fiber Optic Sensors," Proceedings of the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (2014, Orlando, FL), The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX), Oct 2014.
Meeting Name
Composites and Advanced Materials Expo: Combined Strength. Unsurpassed Innovation, CAMX 2014 (2014: Oct. 13-16, Orlando, FL)
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Second Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Aerospace applications; Airframes; Carbon fibers; Corrosion resistance; Fiber bonding; Fiber optics; Fibers; Finite element method; Locks (fasteners); Nondestructive examination; Optical fibers; Strength of materials; Structural frames; Structural metals, Composite airframe; Damage initiation; High-performance composite materials; Non destructive evaluation; Optimal locations; Strain distributions; Strength to weight ratio; Three dimensional finite element model, Fiber optic sensors
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2014 The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Oct 2014