Evanescent wave absorption measurements of corroded materials using optical fibers as remote probes

Abstract

This research effort is intended to demonstrate an in-situ optical fiber corrosion sensor that operates in conjunction with a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) interferometer as an evanescent wave absorption spectroscopic technique. This technique will allow periodic remote sensing for onboard structural health monitoring of areas of normally inaccessible structural components. The potential advantages of optical fiber sensors result from the fact that the sensing element, the optical fiber, can be embedded in junctions in aircraft structures, in locations where humidity and corrosion can accumulate, but are such that they can not be directly observed. A fiber-optic-FTIR experimental setup, including several samples of field corrosion material has been assembled in the laboratory to spectrally detect Aluminum Hydroxide [Al(OH)3] which is one component of corrosion of aluminum. Absorption spectra of Al(OH)3, have been collected using an Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) crystal as a reference spectral signature. The spectra of samples from a simulated corrosion process have been collected and compared with Al(OH)3 spectra. The laboratory experimental setup has included samples from the controlled corrosion conditions. Key word: Optical fiber, Optical fiber sensing, Corrosion sensing, Remote sensing, Evanescent wave, Health monitoring, Non destructive evaluation