Multi-Parameter Fiber Optic Sensing for Composite Material Monitoring

Abstract

Fiber optic sensors can measure many perturbations including strain, temperature, indices of refraction, cure state, pressure, damage, electrical fields, magnetic fields, current and chemicals. The particular perturbation or perturbations which can be detected by a sensor is dependent on the type of sensor and optical fiber used to implement the sensor. During the course of this research two different types of optical fiber sensors were created to measure different properties of composite materials. The first sensor was geared towards the monitoring of composite cure, while the second was created to measure mechanical effects within the material.