Non-destructive monitoring of composite elements by means of embedded optical fibre Bragg-sensors

摘要

This paper will report on the results of tests carried out to demonstrate the applicability of optical fibre sensors as a non-destructive evaluation technique. So-called Bragg-sensors, which serve as an internal strain gauge, have been succesfully embedded into composite specimens made of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy prepreg. It is shown that these sensors can be succesfully used for static and dynamic monitoring of the mechaical strain inside a composite laminate, and for the assessment of global damage of the specimen.