Fiber Optic Sensors
	Overview
	The development of optical fiber sensors for health monitoring of structures has increased in recent years. This is due to the advantages fiber optics have when compared to other conventional sensing systems including small size, relatively low cost, light weight, immunity to electro-magnetic-interference, amenability to multiplexing, and high sensitivity. The multiplexing capability makes them an excellent candidate for structural health monitoring in aerospace applications where weight is a major consideration. Consequently, the use of embedded fiber optic sensors has been investigated for real-time health monitoring systems in many aerospace applications. (...more)

	Embedded Optical Sensor Research with Application to Flight, I
	Dong-gun Lee
	Investigation on performance of embedded fiber optic sensors for use in vehicle health monitoring systems has been performed. The final goal includes the ground test and flight test evaluation at NASA Dryden . The goal of this continuing research effort is to understand and evaluate the mechanical response of embedded fiber optic strain sensors for use in composite aerospace structures. Both experimental tests and analytical approaches are being used to understand the long term response of fiber optic sensors and their subsequent influence on the properties of the composite.

	Previous Research Projects
	:: Embedded Optical Sensors - Static Strength and Fatigue
	:: Stregth Prediction for MEMs Components
	:: Embedded Fiber Optic Sensor Research with Application to Flight, II by Nanlin Han
	:: Use of Imbedded Fiber Optic Thermal Sensors to Monitor the Health of Composite Structures by Anna Stewart