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，用于大跨度全分布压力和横向应力测量。直到今天，这两个重要的参数仍然无法以完全分布的方式进行测量。这种前所未有的能力将满足许多工业和研究部门的需求。知识优势：该方案基于光时域反射（OTDR）技术和特殊设计的微结构光纤。当施加压力或横向应力时，微结构光纤存在双折射变化，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，以及恶劣环境下传感器的测试和演示。更广泛的影响：拟议的技术将扩展全分布式光纤传感的功能，超越传统的温度和纵向应变测量。拟议研究的多学科性质将为参与研究的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。来自代表性不足的少数群体的研究生将被招募。本科研究项目将在不同的研究领域进行设计。高中生也将通过暑期实习参与到拟议的项目中。

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.