Embedded fiber optic sensor arrays for structural health monitoring of Filament wound composite pressure vessels

Optical Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) strain and temperature sensors were embedded into four carbon/epoxy, filament-wound 5.75 " diameter Standard Testing and Evaluation Bottles (STEBs). These sensors were used to monitor temperature and strain during cure and pressurization of the pressure vessels. Preliminary to this work, micrographs were made of embedded fiber, showing good incorporation of the fiber into the material and no degradation of the optical fiber's acrylate coating. A survey was also made of different ingress/egress techniques to protecting the fiber as in enters the bottle and preventing attenuation and power fluctuation, with Tefzel tubing proving to be the most effective method. The FBGs were embedded parallel to the reinforcing fibers, in the: hoop and helical directions, and also in the axial direction. The sensors showed close agreement with surface-mounted Resistance Strain Gages (RSGs), as well as finite element modeling. Sensors in the hoop direction embedded at mid-cylinder showed the closest agreement (-12%), while agreement for hoop-direction sensors embedded near the ends of the bottle (11%) was not as close. The agreement was also better for helically directed sensors embedded at mid-cylinder (-1.6%?) than for those embedded near the ends (-24%). Some preliminary impact testing was conducted that indicated FBG sensors would be appropriate for sensing impact damage.