Connection of optical fibers embedded in aircraft composite components

Anders Sjogren; Bengt Lindstrom

doi:10.1117/12.388855

22 June 2000 Connection of optical fibers embedded in aircraft composite components

Anders Sjogren, Bengt Lindstrom

Proceedings Volume 3985, Smart Structures and Materials 2000: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.388855
Event: SPIE's 7th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 2000, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper describes a manufacturing technique for embedding standard fiber-optic connection hardware in aircraft composite components. Three different concepts for detachable edge connections are presented. Embedding the fiber-optic connection hardware at the edges of the composite components is favorable since it entails easy manufacturing and maintenance. Carbon fiber/epoxy laminates were manufactured with embedded MT-ferrules and FC-ferrules. Using dummies in the manufacturing step solved the difficulty with laminate edge trim, which generally is a problem with edge connectors. The dummies were manufactured by polytetrafluoroethylene and had similar shape and dimensions as the embedded ferrules. The dummies could easily be removed after laminate curing and edge trimming, leaving embedded ferrules at the laminates edges, ready for connection. The manufacturing technique and fiber- optic connection were evaluated by manufacturing and loading a laminate with embedded MT-ferrule and optical fibers with Bragg grating sensors. The fiber-optic connection was confirmed and the strains measured by the Bragg grating sensors were in close agreement with the strains measured by strain gauges.

Citation Download Citation

Anders Sjogren and Bengt Lindstrom "Connection of optical fibers embedded in aircraft composite components", Proc. SPIE 3985, Smart Structures and Materials 2000: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems, (22 June 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.388855

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