NICOP - Bragg Grating Fiber Laser Ultrasonic Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring
Abstract
This proposed research will investigate the use of optical fiber Bragg grating based fiber laser (FBG-FL) sensors to detect acoustic signals for structural health monitoring (SHM) and damage identification. FBG-FL sensors are among the most sensitive devices and offer significant advantages, including weight savings reducing direct operating costs, and reduced system complexity with greater versatility. The research efforts will focus on ultrasound measurements using FBG-FL strain sensors as well as sensing for acoustic emission and Lamb wave modes for SHM applications. The PIs have unique skills and knowledge, and will be closely working with NRL including spending 3 months per year on site of NRL to develop FBG-FL technologies. b. Aging Naval fleets require a large ongoing expenditure to maintain, with a significant portion of that expenditure consumed in regular non-destructive inspections (NDI) for age and usage related structural damage. In the process of acquiring new aircrafts and ships with a range of design innovations including advanced material and complex structural forms pose a difficult challenge for conventional NDI techniques which could compromise the safety and operational availability of these newer generation aircrafts and ships. The inherent cost inefficiencies in the prescriptive NDI strategies applied to legacy systems, and NDI capability shortfalls in relation to new platforms are two key factors in the push to develop in situ SHM as a more effective and cost efficient alternative approach to structural integrity assurance. This research contributes to the development of advanced SHM technology to achieve damage detections for small flaws as well as large area coverage which will significantly improve structural diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. c. Dr. Ignacio Perez (HQ Code 332) has been heavily invested in this area of research for number of years including 2 recently completed NICOPs. This particular project is also closely coordinated with Dr. Geoffrey Cranch, NRL Code 5674. d. In addition to research products such as conference presentations and journal articles, the outcomes of this effort will include improved capabilities to sense structural behaver and identify damage to address structural diagnostics and prognostic need through controlled analysis and
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 23, 2016
- Source ID
- N629091612203
Entities
People
- Graham Wild
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- RMIT University
- United States Navy