Damage assessment in hybrid laminates using an array of embedded fiber optic sensors

Timothy S. P. Austin; Margaret M. Singh; Peter J. Gregson; John P. Dakin; Philip M. Powell

doi:10.1117/12.348677

18 May 1999 Damage assessment in hybrid laminates using an array of embedded fiber optic sensors

Timothy S. P. Austin, Margaret M. Singh, Peter J. Gregson, John P. Dakin, Philip M. Powell

Proceedings Volume 3671, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Smart Systems for Bridges, Structures, and Highways; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.348677
Event: 1999 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1999, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

Hybrid laminates typically consist of alternate layers of fiber-reinforced polymer and aluminium alloy. Developed primarily for fatigue critical aerospace applications, the hybrid laminates are orthotropic materials with lower density and higher strength compared to the aluminium alloy monolith. One of the damage mechanism of particular interest is that of fatigue crack growth, which for hybrid laminates is a relatively complex process that includes a combination of delamination and fiber bridging. To facilitate the development of a unified model for both crack and damage growth processes, a remote sensing system, reliant upon fiber optic sensor technology, has been utilized to monitor strain within the composite layer. The fiber optic system, with capacity for sub microstrain resolution, combines time domain multiplexing with line switching to monitor continuously an array of Bragg grating sensors. Herein are detailed the findings from a study performed using an array of 40 sensors distributed across a small area of a test price containing a fatigue crack initiated at a through- thickness fastener hole. Together with details of system operation, sensor measurements of the strain profiles associated with the developing delamination zone are reported.

Citation Download Citation

Timothy S. P. Austin, Margaret M. Singh, Peter J. Gregson, John P. Dakin, and Philip M. Powell "Damage assessment in hybrid laminates using an array of embedded fiber optic sensors", Proc. SPIE 3671, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Smart Systems for Bridges, Structures, and Highways, (18 May 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.348677

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