A multi-measurand fibre-optic sensor system for process and health monitoring of fibre reinforced composites

Abilash K. Nair, Venkata R. Machavaram, Christophe Paget, Colin Barrow, Banshi D. Gupta, Gerard F. Fernando

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Advanced fibre reinforced composites (AFRCs) are being used extensively in areas where weight is at a premium, for example, aerospace, automotive, marine and civil engineering. Autoclave-based processing of this class of material can be influenced by a number of factors including the temperature, chemical integrity of the resin system and the thermal properties of the constituent materials. Therefore, simultaneous monitoring of multiple measurands is essential to enable cross-correlation of evolving chemo-physical properties of the material as a function of the processing parameters. Majority of the fibre optic-based sensors reported to-date are suitable for single or at the most, dual-measurand systems. This paper presents an overview of the design, fabrication and deployment of a novel multi-measurand optical fibre sensor (MMS). The MMS is capable of simultaneously monitoring strain, temperature, refractive index and cross-linking chemistry. The sensor design is based on the extrinsic fibre Fabry-Perot interferometer. A unique feature of this sensor system is that a conventional multi-channel fibre-coupled near-infrared spectrometer is used to monitor the four independent parameters. The MMS was embedded in between the fourth and fifth plies of an eight-ply E-glass fabric laminate. A commercially-available thermosetting epoxy/amine resin system was used to impregnate the fabric layers which were laminated manually. The laminated preform was cured in an autoclave and the results on the simultaneous monitoring of the specified functional groups in the resin system, evolution of fabrication strain, temperature and the refractive index are reported in this paper. Attention is drawn to the effect of processing and post-processing on the output from the embedded optical fibre sensors.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication9th International Conference on Condition Monitoring and Machinery Failure Prevention Technologies 2012, CM 2012 and MFPT 2012
PublisherBritish Institute of Non-Destructive Testing
Pages4-14
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)9781622764334
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Event9th International Conference on Condition Monitoring and Machinery Failure Prevention Technologies 2012, CM 2012 and MFPT 2012 - London, United Kingdom
Duration: 12 Jun 201214 Jun 2012

Publication series

Name9th International Conference on Condition Monitoring and Machinery Failure Prevention Technologies 2012, CM 2012 and MFPT 2012
Volume1

Conference

Conference9th International Conference on Condition Monitoring and Machinery Failure Prevention Technologies 2012, CM 2012 and MFPT 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period12/06/1214/06/12

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

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