In-situ health monitoring technique for composite structures utilizing embedded thermal fiber optic sensors

Health monitoring techniques are necessary for the safety, reliability and longevity of structural components. However, dependable, in-situ, and practical damage detection methods are difficult to develop and implement. In this dissertation, a novel health monitoring technique based on thermography that uses optical fiber thermal sensors to detect damage within a laminated graphite epoxy composite specimen is investigated. The concept follows: when an internal defect exists inside a composite panel and an external heat flux is applied, the defect can hinder the heat from propagating through the panel. Consequently, thermal sensors placed near the defect measure a temperature change when compared to a defect-free panel. Fiber optic sensors are permanently embedded within a structure to allow for direct temperature measurement and an in-situ health monitoring technique. Fiber optic sensors are advantageous primarily due to their multiplexing capabilities. Certain fiber optic technologies permit 1000 point sensors on a single fiber, which in turn reduces the cabling sizes by three orders of magnitude.; A comprehensive proof-of-concept study involved five sets of composite samples and a numerical model. The first set validated the concept, the second tested two types of fiber optic sensors, the third provided a thorough study using the superior sensor technology, the fourth provided data to develop a numerical model, and the last set validated the model's findings. The numerical model provided a close approximation to the experimental data, and was used to determine proper sensor placement. The first three sets of specimens used a simulated impact system to induce damage of varying degrees into the samples. The last two sets used artificial damage in the form of Teflon inserts in an effort to quantify the size and location of damage. A flash lamp apparatus rapidly heated the samples while the fiber optic sensors and exterior thermocouples recorded temperature changes. Results confirm that the fiber optic thermal sensors can detect the presence and severity of damage.