Temperature self-compensating and high-sensitivity FBG inclination sensor based on the sliding mass principle

Abstract

This paper presents a temperature self-compensating, high-sensitivity fiber Bragg grating (FBG) inclination sensor. A sliding mass block and a spring are selected as the inclination-force conversion components to induce strain in the substrate where the FBGs are located, resulting in a change in the center wavelength. Both sides of the sliding mass block are arranged with one FBG on each side to play the role of temperature self-compensating. By calculating the variation of the center wavelength of the two FBGs, the variation of the inclination angle can be obtained. The detailed mechanical construction and sensing mechanism of the sensor are introduced, and the theoretical sensitivity factor formula of the sensor is given. The calibration test and static characteristics analysis of the sensor are carried out with the inclination angle change as the parameter. The experimental results show that there is a good linear relationship between the inclination angle and the FBG central wavelength, and the sensor possesses good repeatability and creep resistance. The maximum angular sensitivity is 427.3 pm/°, avoiding the cross-sensitivity between temperature and strain of the FBG. The sensitivity of the sensor can be easily adjusted by replacing the sliding mass block and the spring.