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- 2011 (6) (entfernen)
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- Strain sensor (6) (entfernen)
How do application-related issues influence the reliability of fiber optic strain measurements?
(2011)
Fibre optic strain sensors are increasingly used and sensor systems are provided with specifications. Even if the performance is well specified, the strain characteristics of the sensor, strain transfer factor, mechanical stability under thermal influences, the performance of applied strain sensors can seriously differ from virgin sensor's the performance. The contribution will focus on issues that can deteriorate the sensor function or reduce the reliability of measurement results. Aspects are considered how to come to reliable strain measurements and how to validate strain measurements of applied sensors. Related to this topic, European activities like the recently started European COST TD1001 action, called (OfSeSa) will be presented.
Strain measurement in structures witli the purpose of long-term structurai health inonitoring must provide reliable inforination about the structure’s behavior over the whole period of use. The user must be sure that installed sensors are validated and work to the utmost satisfactiou. For this purpose, sensor Systems are tested using special facilities. Bccause it is not easy to characterize the strain transfer quality from the host structure into surface-applied strain sensors, a unique testing facility has been developed. Originally developed for fiber Bragg grating based sensors, the KALFOS facility (= calibration of fiber optic sensors) can also be used for electrical strain sensors.
Calibration ineasurements are referenced by unbinsed Digital Image Correlation (D1C) and Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometer (ESPI) methods. The strain transfer behavior can experimentally be analyzed and investigated under combined thermal and mechanical loading conditions and allows revealing wealuiesses in couimonly used attachment methodologies. The deformation of all members (particularly the coating/substrate - adhesive combination) in the sensing area is physically independently gained and recorded. Results achievcd allow precise description of the strain transfer function, Validation of the longterm strain sensor characteristics, matching of specific measurement requirements with environmental conditions, and, moreover, the verification of Standards for use of strain sensors.
Strain sensors embedded in or attached to structural components have to measure the real deformation of the structure over the whole period of use. The user must know how reliably installed sensors provide strain measurement results. For this purpose, test facilities or coupon tests are used. In order to characterize the strain transfer quality from the host structure into surface-applied strain sensors, a unique testing facility has been developed. This facility can be used both for fiber optic and resistance strain sensors. Originally developed for fiber Bragg grating based sensors, the KALFOS facility (=calibration of fiber optic sensors) uses Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometer (ESPI) as unbiased referencing methods. It is possible to determine experimentally the strain transfer mechanism under combined thermal and mechanical loading conditions. This experimental characterization method will reveal weaknesses in commonly used strain sensors, and the investigation of the material systems used for fiber optic and other strain sensors (particularly the coating/substrate - adhesive combination). The KALFOS facility allows matching of specific measurement requirements with environmental conditions.
A novel quasi-distributed long-gauge fiber optic strain sensor system for dynamic measurement
(2011)
We present a novel technique based on incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) to measure length changes quasi-distributed between reflection points in optical fibres. The technique enables length changes to be measured with a resolution better than 1 µm and allows for static and dynamic measurement capabilities up to 2 kHz. We demonstrate that dynamic measurements of multiple fibre sections can be conducted independently from each other with high precision. Due to the precise and dynamic measurement capabilities, the proposed sensor system is expected to open new fields of application, especially in the structural-health-monitoring sector. Possible applications are discussed in the paper.
Fiber optic sensors are increasingly used because of their outstanding performance or if special requirements avoid the application of conventional electrical sensors. The scientific background for optical fiber sensors is well developed; however, the characteristic of sensors applied in rather harsh environment are almost always different from characteristics determined in laboratory or before its installation. In order to achieve long-term stable function and reliable measurement data after application and under harsh environmental conditions, guidelines for characterization and specification of sensor components are needed as well as methodologies for testing the sensor performance must be developed. Performance tests carried out revealed that there are still some restrictions with respect to long-term reliable use: first, some sensor products available on the market are not very often appropriately characterized, described and validated; second, application procedures are not always defined due to a lack of understanding the micromechanical issues in the interface zone between sensor and measuring object. Application procedures and profound knowledge of materials behaviour are necessary to get results from the sensor that can be reliably used. The paper describes first guidelines to prove the quality of fiber optic strain sensors, a testing facility developed for unbiased tests and certification of surface-applied sensors as well as result from comparison of commercially available strain sensors.
A dynamic and quasi-distributed sensor principle for simultaneous measurement of length changes and optical power changes between reflection points in an optical fiber is presented. The technique is based on the incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR). Length change resolutions < 1 µm and measurement repetition rates up to 2 kHz can be achieved using standard single-mode and multi-mode optical fibers. Simultaneous length change and refractive index measurement as well as field test results showing the deformation of a masonry building under seismic load are presented. Promising fields of application for this technique are the structural health monitoring sector and chemical process control.