Development of a fiber-optic-based hierarchical sensing network for health monitoring of composite structures

本研究提出了一种新的复合材料结构损伤检测的分层传感概念。在层次化系统中，众多三维结构的传感器设备分布在整个结构区域，并通过传感机构与光纤网络连接。分布式设备检测损伤，光纤网络采集损伤信号并将信息传输到测量仪器。为了验证所提出的传感概念，开发了冲击损伤检测系统，并进行了验证测试。实验结果表明，与现有的光纤传感器系统相比，该系统具有更好的可维护性、更高的鲁棒性和更宽的监测范围。

This study proposed a novel hierarchical sensing concept for detecting damage in composite structures. In the hierarchical system, numerous three-dimensionally structured sensor devices are distributed throughout the whole structural area and connected with an optical fiber network through transducing mechanisms. The distributed devices detect damage, and the fiber optic network gathers damage signals and transmits the information to a measuring instrument. In order to validate the proposed sensing concept, an impact damage detection system was developed and a verification test was then conducted. Occurrence of barely visible impact damage was successfully detected and it was clearly indicated that the hierarchical system has better repairability, higher robustness, and wider monitorable area compared to existing systems utilizing optical fiber sensors.