Microbending Fiber Optic Sensors For Smart Structures

Abstract
Fiber optic smart structures can be used to perform a variety of functions ranging from monitoring the manufacturing process, performing nondestructive evaluation of components once the parts have been made, providing means to implement vehicle health monitoring and maintenance systems, and enabling systems such as actively damped structures and performance monitoring of aircraft engines. This paper describes a low cost approach to mirobending sensing and its application to feasibility studies for manufacturing and health maintenance.