Full-spectrum interrogation of fiber Bragg grating sensors for dynamic measurements in composite laminates

This paper presents a new means for collecting fiber Bragg grating (FBG) data during drop-tower measurements used to assess damage to composite structures. The high repetition-rate collection process reveals transient features that cannot be resolved in quasi-static measurements. The experiments made at a repetition rate of about 500 Hz show that the detected FBG spectrum broadens for a short period of time and relaxes quickly to a narrower static state. Furthermore, this relaxation time increases dramatically as the strike count increases. The information gained by such measurements will enhance the ability to characterize and distinguish failure modes and predict the remaining lifetime in composite laminate structures.