Finite element analysis of composite laminates containing transversely embedded optical fiber sensors

Finite element analysis techniques have been used to predict the stress concentrationsaround optical fibres embedded transversely to the reinforcement in unidirectional and cross-plyCFRP laminates with thermoplastic PEEK matrices. The effects of applied transversecompression stresses and also thermal stresses resulting from fabrication have been analysed.The residual thermal stresses are affected by the dimensions of the fibre optic and the shape ofthe resin rich region which forms around the inclusion.