A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain patch specially adapted for long-term and high-strain applications has been developed and characterized. The design concept for the patch is based on a glass-fiber reinforced plastic (gfrp) carrier material. The developed concept for the FBG integration into the carrier material was derived from reliable integration procedure of FBG sensors into composite structures. The patches' temperature sensitivity, strain gauge factor, fiber–matrix interface adhesion and fatigue behavior were characterized. As a result, FBG strain patches with linear temperature and strain behavior, as well as excellent fatigue resistance, were developed and can be used as part of a monitoring system for advanced composite materials in aerospace structures or wind turbine power plants.
In Germany, the first guideline for the use of fiber Bragg grating strain sensors, 'Optical Strain Sensor based on Fiber Bragg Grating' (Berlin, Germany: Beuth-Verlag, 2010), has been developed by the GESA guideline group of VDI, 'The Association of German Engineers' and published by Beuth-Verlag. This guideline provides the basic specifications of this sensor type and the sensor characteristics, which have to be known for a reliable sensor performance. In conformity to this guideline, experimental investigations on the strain transfer characteristics of fiber Bragg grating patches have been carried out. A comparison between patches and resistance strain gauges during tensile tests and combined temperature and tensile loading was carried out. The evaluated strain gauge factor and the temperature sensitivity of the strain gauge factor have been compared to the manufacturer's data. The overall performance of the patches has been evaluated. The experimental investigations showed that there are considerable disagreements between the manufacturer's specifications and the observed characteristics.
Surface-applied fibre optic strain sensors were investigated using a unique validation facility equipped with application-independent optical reference systems. First, different adhesives for the sensor's application were analysed regarding their material properties. Measurements resulting from conventional measurement techniques, such as thermo-mechanical analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis, were compared with measurements resulting from digital image correlation, which has the advantage of being a non-contact technique. Second, fibre optic strain sensors were applied to test specimens with the selected adhesives. Their strain-transfer mechanism was analysed in comparison with conventional strain gauges. Relative movements between the applied sensor and the test specimen were visualized easily using optical reference methods, digital image correlation and electronic speckle pattern interferometry. Conventional strain gauges showed limited opportunities for an objective strain-transfer analysis because they are also affected by application conditions.