Modifications to FBG sensor spectra due to matrix cracking in a GFRP composite

Abstract Optical fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been embedded in a transparent glass reinforced polymer cross-ply laminate. The back-reflected spectra from the FBGs were examined prior to the development of a matrix crack across the coupon and subsequent to crack development. Characteristic changes were found in the spectra due to matrix cracking that might enable FBG sensors to be used to monitor both strain and crack development in composite materials. Simulations of the reflected spectra, based on direct and independent measurements of the longitudinal component of the strain field close to matrix cracks, show reasonable agreement with experiment.

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