Optical fiber sensing technique for impact detection and location in composites and metal specimens

We present a novel technique for effective detection and location of impacts in metals and graphite/epoxy composite laminates. This scheme employs the highly sensitive extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) optical fiber-based sensing system for recording the differential arrival times of impa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Smart materials and structures 1995-06, Vol.4 (2), p.93-99
Main Authors: Greene, J A, Tran, T A, Bhatia, V, Gunther, M F, Wang, A, Murphy, K A, Claus, R O
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We present a novel technique for effective detection and location of impacts in metals and graphite/epoxy composite laminates. This scheme employs the highly sensitive extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) optical fiber-based sensing system for recording the differential arrival times of impact-generated acoustic signals using a set of four sensors whose location is predetermined. The sensors are surface-mounted on an aluminum sample and completely embedded in the composite specimen. A mathematical model is coded into a computer program to enable real-time, on-line determination of impact locations. The precise location of the impact can be deduced typically with a 0.5-mm resolution and an accuracy better than 5 mm. An improvement in the sensitivity of this system is proposed by using high-fineness Fabry-Perot cavities which modify the output transfer function curve of the sensor. (Author)
ISSN:0964-1726
1361-665X
DOI:10.1088/0964-1726/4/2/004