Infrastructure development for incorporating fibre-optic sensors in composite materials

The objective of the study described here was to develop health and condition monitoring systems for advanced composite aerospace structures using embedded optical sensor technology. Various technological aspects required development, including methods for embedding optical fibres into composite parts, optical connection systems, sensor design and measurement instrumentation, analysis of the effects of the embedded fibres on the mechanical performance of the composite, strain indication errors and separation of temperature/strain superposition effects. A multi-disciplinary team incorporating relevant expertise was established to study these various aspects.