Polarimetric fiber optic sensing for smart structures

摘要

Results of initial studies of polarimetric fiber optic sensing systems for smart structures applications are presented. The smart structures based on fibercore bow-tie fibers embedded in a specially prepared cylindrical epoxy cylinder were subjected to deformation effects such as those induced by hydrostatic pressure, temperature, and loading conditions, whereas polarization properties of the transmitted optical signal have been investigated. The presence of the smart structure modifies the output characteristics of the highly birefringent fiber do to elastic properties of the structure. The applied experimental procedure had an objective to compare the phenomena occurring in both: the embedded fibers and the separated highly birefringent fibers influenced by the same deformation effects. Potential applications in a rotor blade of a helicopter have been tested.