Development of an impact detection technique using optical fiber sensors and neural networks

This paper describes an ongoing effort to develop techniques capable of locating the position of space debris impacts and to quantify the strain energy absorbed by the space structure as a result of these impacts. The techniques under development use optical fiber sensors and neural networks as the primary sensor and decision making components. To date, this project has resulted in the development of (1) a mathematical model of plate impact dynamics for use in sensor and neural network paradigm development, (2) a sensor demodulation system specifically designed for moderate impact energies, (3) several neural network paradigms with the potential to locate impacts, and (4) a test configuration to experimentally confirm the proposed paradigms.