Design of a smart superstructure FBG torsion sensor

Abstract

The paper presents the results obtained in simulation of a Superstructure Fiber Bragg Grating (SFBG) torsion sensor. The SFBG sensor simulation points to an improved smart composite or metallic parts design to be operated under torsion loads in various applications. SFBG sensor simulation consists of correlating the fiber deformation under applied mechanical loads with the modified FBG characteristic reflection spectrum considering the polarization mode variations. The analyzed SFBG is developed by the selective deposition of on-fiber periodic metal thin films on regular FBGs. The torsion mechanical loads induced shifts in the characteristic reflection spectrum of Bragg wavelength and side bands are analyzed. For obtaining information about an optimal structure of SFBG sensor, simulation is performed for four commercially available photosensitive single mode silica optical fibers having different geometric and optical characteristics, mainly core and clad refractive index values. It is considered that, by using an UV writing technique, Brag gratings are induced into the simulated SFBG. Simulations are performed considering different geometric characteristics of the shaft used as mechanical mount of SFBG. The simulation results are in fairly good agreement with the experimental ones reported in literature.