7 - Mechanical properties of polymer-optical fibres

Abstract

This chapter describes the mechanical properties of POFs, such as Young’s modulus, strain, stress, or strength, which result relevant in the performance of POFs, as well as in the aging and in the fabrication of new POF designs. All these physical properties vary drastically depending on the designed POF type, going from conventional step-index POFs (SI-POF) to hollow-core or solid-core microstructured POFs (mPOF), multicore POFs (MCPOF) or dye-doped POFs. The chapter begins with a description of the key parameters that characterize the mechanical performance of POFs. Afterwards, a review of the mechanical performance and properties of available POFs with different geometries, sizes and materials is performed. Finally, different mechanical models for thermoplastic polymers are summarized. The use of these mechanical models will be helpful in the design process of new and optimized POF types.