Multipoint temperature monitoring based on a regenerated fiber Bragg grating temperature sensor array in copper casting

Abstract

The temperature distribution during a metal casting process is important because it influences structural properties and residual stresses of the casted part. In this paper, we report on multipoint temperature monitoring based on a regenerated fiber Bragg grating (RFBG) array during a copper casting process, with a maximum temperature exceeding 1100°C. A temperature calibration function up to 800°C was obtained experimentally and was linearly extended to 1200°C. According to the experimental results, the temperature information from an RFBG temperature sensor agreed well with that from a thermocouple that was located close to the respective RFBG sensor element, even at temperatures above 1100°C. With the RFBG temperature sensor array in a single fiber, the temperature distribution and its temporal development were obtained, which can be used to better understand the copper casting process and improve the casting mold design.