Manufacturing studies of fiber optic embedment in polymer-matrix composites

摘要

Abstract: Optical fibers were embedded into graphite-epoxy polymer matrix composites using a variety of geometries and insertion techniques to evaluate different manufacturing methods for embedding sensors in composite materials. Fiber durability during processing and post- processing handling was examined. In general, it was found that the fibers survived the processing step, even when efforts were made to induce failure. Handling during the demolding and trimming operations did cause fiber fracture. Protection techniques designed to improve the fiber survival rates were developed. These techniques were demonstrated to improve the survival rate. Both edge and surface exit embeddment techniques were developed. !5