<title>Fiber optic impact detection and location system embedded in a composite material</title>

Abstract

We present an impact detection and location system which uses fiber optic extrinsic Fizeau interferontric sensors embedded in a graphite/epoxy composite laminate. The acoustic signals generated by the impact events are detected by four fiber optic sensors. The fiber sensor and the embedding process are described. Also developed are a mathematical method and computer program that allow calculations of unambiguous impact location from the sensor data. The impact location can be determined with a 0.5 millimeter resolution and an accuracy typically less than five millimeters.