Optical fiber sensors for in-flight health monitoring

Optical fiber sensors, because of their small size, low weight, extremely high information carrying capability, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and large operational temperature range, provide numerous advantages over conventional electrical based sensors. Current and future aircraft designs require reduced sensor size and weight while maintaining resolution and accuracy in the extreme flight environment. Unmanned air vehicles also require more accurate sensor information to improve aircraft control systems. This paper presents preliminary results from optical fiber sensor designs for monitoring acceleration, pressure, and skin friction in-flight.