In-situ Strain Sensing with Fiber Optic Sensors Embedded into Stainless Steel 316

摘要

Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are embedded into Stainless Steel (SS) 316 components using bespoke Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology. SS 316 material is added on substrates by SLM, incorporating U-shaped grooves with dimensions suitable to hold nickel coated optical fibers. Coated optical fibers containing fiber Bragg gratings for strain monitoring are placed in the groove. Melting subsequent powder layer on top of the fiber completes the embedding. Strain levels exceeding 3 mε are applied to specimens and are measured by embedded fiber optic sensors. Elastic deformation of the steel component is reliably measured by the Bragg grating from within the component with high accuracy. During plastic deformation of the steel the optical fiber is slipping due to poor adhesive bonding between fused silica and metal surround.