Optical fibers

Fiber optic sensors are probably the most used sensors in practical situations. They are further gaining rapid attention in the field of SHM. They are most prominently being used in civil structures. The recent advances in the development of fibre optic technology are likely to replace some present day electrical sensors. It is important that the sensors and actuators embedded to the parent structure should not affect the integrity of the structure.

Figure 13.1: Effect of embedding of optical fiber sensors in CFRP composite

Figure 13.1 shows how the embedding of fiber optic sensors actually adds to impact strength of the host structure. Fiber optic sensors are competing with piezo-ceramic patches as sensors / receivers in acoustic emission and Lamb wave sensing.