Structural integrity monitoring using ultrasonics and fiber optics

Brian Culshaw; Wayne R. Philp; S. Gareth Pierce; W. Craig Michie; Maria Konstantaki

doi:10.1117/12.345561

2 January 1998 Structural integrity monitoring using ultrasonics and fiber optics

Brian Culshaw, Wayne R. Philp, S. Gareth Pierce, W. Craig Michie, Maria Konstantaki

Proceedings Volume 3211, International Conference on Fiber Optics and Photonics: Selected Papers from Photonics India '96; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.345561
Event: International Conference on Fiber Optics and Photonics: Selected Papers from Photonics India '96, 1996, Madras, India

Abstract

Numerous optical fibre sensing techniques have been evaluated to monitor composite material structures. Most of these sensor systems aim to measure responses to static loads or vibrational spectra. An alternative approach is to monitor the ultrasonic signature over structure and evaluate changes in this signature in terms of modifications to structural properties. This paper describes the principles and implementation of such a system. A simple line integrating interferometric optical fibre sensor is used to detect the propagation of Lamb waves at typically 250kHz within the composite material. The wavelength of these Lamb waves (typically 2cm) exceeds the dimensions of structural defects of interest to the optical fibre sensor is, in effect, detecting changes in the ultrasonic scattering signature of the test structure and relating these changes to the evolution of faults or damage within the structure. The paper will present preliminary results which explore the basic sensitivity mechanisms within the optical fibre sensor and examine the modifications to the ultrasonic signature with the introduction of predetermined damage and deterioration. The eventual aim is a fully integrated system which will enable “plug in” structural testing. These preliminary results indicate that such systems concepts are a medium term prospect.

Citation Download Citation

Brian Culshaw, Wayne R. Philp, S. Gareth Pierce, W. Craig Michie, and Maria Konstantaki "Structural integrity monitoring using ultrasonics and fiber optics", Proc. SPIE 3211, International Conference on Fiber Optics and Photonics: Selected Papers from Photonics India '96, (2 January 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.345561

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KEYWORDS

Ultrasonics

Optical fibers

Sensors

Fiber optics

Composites

Interferometry

Optical sensing

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