Combined fiber optic strain sensor and composite cure monitor for smart structure applications

Russell G. May; James M. Sanderson; Richard O. Claus

doi:10.1117/12.173973

1 May 1994 Combined fiber optic strain sensor and composite cure monitor for smart structure applications

Russell G. May, James M. Sanderson, Richard O. Claus

Proceedings Volume 2191, Smart Structures and Materials 1994: Smart Sensing, Processing, and Instrumentation; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.173973
Event: 1994 North American Conference on Smart Structures and Materials, 1994, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

An adaptation of an extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI) strain sensor is described that permits the state of cure of an epoxy matrix to be monitored when the sensor is embedded in a polymeric matrix composite. By using a glass rod with a retroreflecting end for the target fiber in the EFPI sensor, the intensity of the light reflected depends on the refractive index of the host matrix, if a low coherence source is used. As the epoxy cross-links during cure, the refractive index of the epoxy will increase to a value exceeding that of the target fiber. The resulting increased loss in the fiber can be detected at the sensor output and correlated to the state of cure of the epoxy. After cure, the sensor may be operated as a conventional EFPI strain sensor if a coherent source is used.

Citation Download Citation

Russell G. May, James M. Sanderson, and Richard O. Claus "Combined fiber optic strain sensor and composite cure monitor for smart structure applications", Proc. SPIE 2191, Smart Structures and Materials 1994: Smart Sensing, Processing, and Instrumentation, (1 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.173973

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available