Advanced composites with embedded fiber optic sensors for smart applications

Due to the increased use of advanced composites with complex architecture, demand for innovative characterization techniques has also increased. This paper deals with a sensitive and inexpensive methodology for characterization of stress states in composites using embedded optical fibers. The principle of operation of the developed technique is based on spatial modulation of modal pou er in multimode fibers. A theoretical model that explains the phenomenon of spatial intensity modulation induced in multimode optical fibers is discussed. Numerical results from the model are verified against experimental results obtained from smart structures fabricated with embedded fiber optic sensors.