Spider Orb-Web Inspired Cognitive, Fault-Tolerant Fiber Optic Sensor Network for SHM under Harsh Conditions

该奖项的研究目标是学习传感器制造方法、光交叉连接体系结构、网络框架拓扑和系统自主性，这些都是在恶劣条件下创建用于结构健康监测的认知和容错光纤传感器网络所需的。该方法是检查和学习蜘蛛网的独特传感特性，制定关键的传感器和网络参数，并将这些知识应用于设计和演示健壮的光纤传感器网络。具体地说，利用高重复频率的飞秒激光脉冲串，将得到一种新的方法来制造坚固耐用的光纤布拉格光栅传感器。将设计一种新的无损交叉连接器来实现网状传感器网络。建立光网络拓扑结构的理论模型，得到一种对大量传感器进行复接和组织的容错网络管理方法。将研究泵浦和探测信号之间的相互作用，以找到一种用于快速容错传感器询问的时域技术。如果研究成功，将产生一种能够在恶劣条件下对关键民用基础设施的健康状态进行现场监测的传感技术。这些研究将丰富国家安全运行监测技术的知识库-S民用基础设施，特别是在地震等极端事件期间改善关键任务服务和应急响应。研究还将通过各种教育和外展活动纳入学术领域，例如充实本科生和研究生课程，支持高级设计项目，为7/8年级学生举办动手讲习班，以及向高中生进行外展。

The research objective of this award is to learn the sensor fabrication method, the optical cross-connecting architecture, the network framework topology and the system autonomy that is required to create a cognitive and fault-tolerant fiber optic sensor network for structural health monitoring under harsh conditions. The approach is to examine and learn from the unique sensing features of the spider orb-web, formulate the critical sensor and network parameters, and apply this knowledge to the design and demonstration of a robust fiber optic sensor network. Specifically, a new method will be derived for fabrication of robust fiber Bragg grating sensors using high repetition rate femtosecond laser pulse trains. A new lossless cross-connector will be designed to enable the meshed sensor network. The theoretical model of the optical network topology will be established to obtain a fault-tolerant network management methodology for multiplexing and organizing a large number of sensors. The interactions between the pump and probe signals will be studied to find a time-domain technique for fast and fault-tolerant sensor interrogation.If successful, the research will result in an enabling sensing technology for in situ monitoring of the health status of critical civil infrastructure under harsh conditions. The studies will enrich the knowledge base of monitoring technologies for safe operation of the nation?s civil infrastructure, especially for improving mission-critical services and emergency responses during extreme events such as earthquakes. The research will also be integrated into academics through various educational and outreach actives such as undergraduate and graduate course enrichment, support of senior design projects, hands-on workshops for 7th/8th grade students, and outreach to high school students.