High resolution fiber optic strain sensing is used to monitor distributed strain in compositeoverwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) throughout the manufacturing process and subsequent qualification testing. Commercially-available, telecommunications-grade optical fiber was embedded within the carbon-fiber overwrap. The amplitude and phase of the light reflected from the fibers are measured using a commercial Optical Frequency-Domain Reflectometer (OFDR). Changes in the amplitude and phase of the backscattered light are used to determine the strain along the entire length of the fiber with centimeter spatial resolution. Distributed strain measurements over the entire COPV provide insight into the manufacturing process and embedded damage-detection capabilities.
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