Manufacturing and characterisation of a fibre optic acoustic emission sensor

Nieves Bogonez, Francisco Daniel (2017). Manufacturing and characterisation of a fibre optic acoustic emission sensor. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The value of Remote Condition Monitoring for the real-time evaluation of the structural integrity of critical components is undeniable. Fibre-reinforced polymer composites are a class of materials which offer significant advantages over conventional metal alloys used for manufacturing load bearing structures in cases where weight and/or energy consumption need to be kept to a minimum, for example automotive and aerospace applications. This is due to the excellent strength to weight ratio that FRPCs exhibit. However, their strongly anisotropic microstructure of poses significant challenges for Non-Destructive Evaluation of the actual structural health of components made from such materials. Acoustic Emission is a passive condition monitoring technique based on the detection of elastic stress waves emitted when damage evolves in a structure. Conventional piezoelectric AE sensors need to be surface-mounted as their embedding in FRPCs is impractical. Fibre Optic Acoustic Emission Sensors (FOAES) offer a distinct advantage since they are light weight, have small size and can be effectively embedded in composite laminates. Moreover, they can be multiplexed with the entire structure being monitored more effectively. This study has focused in the evaluation of the manufacturing process and characterisation of FOAES. Comparison of their performance with conventional commercial sensors was carried out.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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