Imbedded optical fiber sensor of differential strain and temperature in graphite/epoxy composites

A novel optical fiber sensor for the measurement of strain and temperature in graphite-epoxy composite materials using differential interferometry is described. The sensor uses two single-mode optical fiber waveguides imbedded within the composite during prepreg ply lay-up. Strain and temperature changes arc obtained as a motion of an optical interference pattern. Values arc calculated for the strain and temperature dependence of the fringe motion. The results of measurement which attempt to duplicate modeled loading conditions are reported and compared with analytical results. Analytical and experimental extensions of the technique to the measurement of the differential temperature in graphite-epoxy composite specimens during cure cycle processing are also considered.