Abstract
A distributed fiber optic strain sensor based on Rayleigh backscattering, embedded in a fiber-reinforced polymer composite, has been demonstrated. The optical frequency domain reflectometry technique is used to analyze the backscattered signal. The shift in the Rayleigh backscattered spectrum is observed to be linearly related to the change in strain of the composite material. The sensor (standard single-mode fiber) is embedded between the layers of the composite laminate. A series of tensile loads is applied to the laminate using an Instron testing machine, and the corresponding strain distribution of the laminate is measured. The results show a linear response indicating a seamless integration of the optical fiber in the composite material and a good correlation with the electrical-resistance strain gauge results. The sensor is also used to evaluate the strain response of a composite-laminate-based cantilever beam. Distributed strain measurements in a composite laminate are successfully obtained using an embedded fiber optic sensor.
Recommended Citation
S. Jothibasu et al., "Spatially Continuous Strain Monitoring using Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors Embedded in Carbon Fiber Composites," Optical Engineering, vol. 58, no. 7, SPIE, Jul 2019.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.58.7.072004
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Second Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Research Center/Lab(s)
Intelligent Systems Center
Second Research Center/Lab
Center for High Performance Computing Research
Keywords and Phrases
Distributed sensing; Embedded sensing; Fiber optic sensor; Optical frequency domain reflectometry; Rayleigh backscattered spectrum; Strain monitoring
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0091-3286; 1560-2303
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2019 SPIE, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jul 2019
