Fully-Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensors for Pressure and Transverse Stress Measurement

本提案的目的是设计、建模和演示一种新型光纤传感器方案，用于大跨度全分布式压力和横向应力测量。这两个重要的参数，到今天为止，仍然不能通过任何手段以完全分布式的方式测量。 这一前所未有的能力将满足许多工业和研究部门的需求。智力优势：所提出的方案是基于光时域反射计（OTDR）技术和专门设计的微结构光纤。当微结构光纤在压力或横向应力作用下呈现双折射变化时，OTDR可以提供光纤双折射的分布式测量。主要任务包括新型光纤的设计和制造、传感器性能（灵敏度、空间分辨率和动态范围）的增强以及恶劣环境下的传感器测试和演示。更广泛的影响：所提出的技术将扩展全分布式光纤传感的功能，超越传统的仅测量温度和纵向应变。拟议研究的多学科性质将为参与学生提供均衡的培训和研究机会，并丰富弗吉尼亚理工大学目前的课程。 将招收来自代表性不足的少数群体的研究生。 本科研究项目将在拟议的研究的各个领域进行设计。 高中生也将通过暑期实习参与拟议的计划。

The objective of this proposal is to design, model, and demonstrate a novel fiber sensor scheme for long-span fully-distributed measurement of pressure and transverse stress. These two important parameters, as of today, still can not be measured in a fully-distributed manner by any means. This unprecedented capability will fulfill needs in many industrial and research sectors.Intellectual Merit: The proposed scheme is based on optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) technology and specially designed microstructured optical fibers. The OTDR can provide distributed measurement of fiber birefringence while the microstructured fibers present change in birefringence when pressure or transverse stress is applied. The major tasks include novel fiber design and fabrication, sensor performance (sensitivity, spatial resolution, and dynamic range) enhancement, and sensor test and demonstration under harsh environment.Broader Impact: The proposed technology will expand the functionalities of the fully-distributed fiber-optic sensing beyond the traditional only temperature and longitudinal strain measurement. The multidisciplinary nature of the proposed research will offer well-balanced training and research opportunities for the participating students and enrich the current curriculum at Virginia Tech. Graduate students from underrepresented minority groups will be recruited. Undergraduate research projects will be designed in various areas of the proposed research. High school students will also be involved into the proposed program through summer internships.