Fiber optic sensors for characterization of composite structural materials and structural monitoring

Abstract

We present recent work on fiber optic sensor systems for structural element characterization and monitoring. One particular application area currently under study is the characterization and testing of pultruded composite beams. The motivation behind this project and current status is described. Fiber optic sensor systems to suit the application have been developed. In particular, the development of both AO tunable filter and all-fiber passive demodulation schemes for in-fiber Bragg grating sensors is described.