Measurement and Decoupling of Hygrothermal-Mechanical Effects with Optical Fibers: Development of a New FBG Sensor

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Abstract

Composite materials are increasingly used in the aviation industry for various aircraft components due to their lightweight and mechanical performances. However, these materials are susceptible to degradation due to environmental factors such as hot-wet environments and freeze-thaw cycles, which can compromise their performance and safety over time. This study develops an innovative Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor system designed to simultaneously measure and decouple the effects of temperature, humidity and strain on composite materials, particularly in aerospace applications. The system incorporates three FBG sensors: one for temperature, one for temperature and humidity and a third one for all the three factors. A theoretical framework based on linear strain superposition and constitutive laws was developed to isolate the individual contributions of each factor. Experimental validation in controlled hygrothermal conditions demonstrated the system's ability to accurately detect and decouple these effects, enabling the monitoring of moisture absorption and composite degradation over time. Since SHM/HUMS systems based on optical fibers are widely used for monitoring aerospace structures, to provide real-time data for improving maintenance strategies, the proposed system offers a reliable and efficient solution for long-term structural health monitoring, enhancing predictive maintenance, optimizing operational life and ensuring safety in composite components exposed to extreme environmental conditions in aerospace applications.

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