Abstract
This article presents a novel method to simulate the sensor output response of a Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor when embedded in a host material (Composite material or adhesive), during a crack growing/damage event. A finite element model of the crack growth mechanisms was developed, and different fracture modes were addressed. Then an output algorithm was developed to predict the sensor spectrum change during the different stages of the crack growing. Thus, it is possible to identify specific phenomenon that will only happen within the proximity of a crack, as compression field ahead the crack or non-uniform strain, and then identify the presence of such damage in the structure. Experimental tests were conducted in order to validate this concept and support the model. The FBG sensor response model was applied in a delamination of a Wind Turbine trailing edge, to demonstrate the applicability of this technique to more complicated structures, and to be used as a structural health monitoring design tool.
Highlights
Fibre Reinforced Plastic materials (FRP or as often called composite materials) have been extensively used in aerospace, automotive, naval, civil engineering and wind energy applications
This article presents a novel method to simulate the sensor output response of a Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor when embedded in a host material (Composite material or adhesive), during a crack growing/damage event
Crack/Delamination Detection by Embedded Fibre Bragg Gratings Different sensing technology has been implemented in order to track delamination in fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials, such as acoustic emission, vibration/modal analysis, piezo-electric actuators/sensor, strain gages
Summary
Fibre Reinforced Plastic materials (FRP or as often called composite materials) have been extensively used in aerospace, automotive, naval, civil engineering and wind energy applications. Delamination in Fibre Reinforced Plastic Materials Interface fracture by crack growth along interfaces in laminated structures is called delamination, and often is accompanied by the formation of a crack bridging zone, where intact fibres connect the crack faces behind the crack tip, as showed in figure 1 This fibre bridging phenomenon creates an extra obstacle that the crack has to overcome to grow, meaning that the energy required for the crack to grow is higher than that required to initiate it. Crack/Delamination Detection by Embedded Fibre Bragg Gratings Different sensing technology has been implemented in order to track delamination in FRP materials, such as acoustic emission, vibration/modal analysis, piezo-electric actuators/sensor, strain gages These measurement systems have several limitation in terms of cost, the need of qualified operators and impracticability to be used under operation. An approximated increase of the width of the reflected peak due to a non-uniform strain ∆λIW is given by the equation 4:
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