Multisegment OTDR-based fiber strain sensors for dynamic structures

Bernd D. Zimmermann; Richard O. Claus

doi:10.1117/12.56510

1 January 1992 Multisegment OTDR-based fiber strain sensors for dynamic structures

Bernd D. Zimmermann, Richard O. Claus

Proceedings Volume 1586, Distributed and Multiplexed Fiber Optic Sensors; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.56510
Event: OE Fiber, 1991, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

We report on the results obtained from testing prototype optical time domain fiber strain sensors on a full scale F-15 test plane at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. The tests included a segmented Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) based fiber sensor, as well as a reentrant loop Optical Time Domain strain sensor. The sensors were attached to the underside of one of the plane's wings near the main body of the aircraft. Dynamic loads simulating in-flight conditions were applied through hydraulic actuators mounted on the wing's top and bottom surfaces. Strain levels ranged from 0 to 2500 micron/m during the cyclic load tests. Data was acquired from the high resolution optical time domain system using customized software and a GPIB interface between the system's processor and a personal computer. A new referencing technique allowed quasi-continuous measurements and automatic, periodic reference updating. The strain levels measured with the fiber sensors were compared with those read by conventional strain gages, and good correlation was observed. To our knowledge, these are the first dynamic OTDR picosecond resolution strain measurements ever performed.

Citation Download Citation

Bernd D. Zimmermann and Richard O. Claus "Multisegment OTDR-based fiber strain sensors for dynamic structures", Proc. SPIE 1586, Distributed and Multiplexed Fiber Optic Sensors, (1 January 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.56510

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available