Bornain Chiu Mardi C. Hastings
Dept. of Mech. Eng., Ohio State Univ., 206 West 18th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210
Numerical results from this study show that a single polarization-maintaining optical fiber embedded in a composite flat plate is able to simultaneously measure low-frequency structural vibration and temperature. Theoretical estimates of sensitivities for the optical fiber sensor are presented with consideration of the cross sensitivity caused by simultaneous disturbances. An analysis of the composite plate and fiber based on the theories of linear elasticity and photoelasticity is used to estimate sensitivities of the embedded fiber. A finite element analysis using ANSYS is used to determine the state of stress in the composite plate. Results of this study show that simultaneous changes in structural vibration and temperature can easily be resolved.