Fiber Optic Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Air Platforms

TLDR

Aircraft operators face growing demands to extend air platform lifespans, creating heavy maintenance burdens, and fiber‑optic sensor technology is emerging as a cost‑effective SHM solution because of its superior characteristics. This review paper surveys aerospace SHM requirements and provides an overview of fiber‑optic sensor technologies. The authors evaluate fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors as the most promising tool for load monitoring and damage detection in air platforms. They conclude with recommendations for implementing and integrating FBG sensors into an SHM system.

Abstract

Aircraft operators are faced with increasing requirements to extend the service life of air platforms beyond their designed life cycles, resulting in heavy maintenance and inspection burdens as well as economic pressure. Structural health monitoring (SHM) based on advanced sensor technology is potentially a cost-effective approach to meet operational requirements, and to reduce maintenance costs. Fiber optic sensor technology is being developed to provide existing and future aircrafts with SHM capability due to its unique superior characteristics. This review paper covers the aerospace SHM requirements and an overview of the fiber optic sensor technologies. In particular, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor technology is evaluated as the most promising tool for load monitoring and damage detection, the two critical SHM aspects of air platforms. At last, recommendations on the implementation and integration of FBG sensors into an SHM system are provided.