Damage Detection in a Vibrating Structure using Distributed and Dynamic Fiber-Optic Techniques

Abstract

This paper reports on the application of three fully distributed and dynamic fiberoptic strain measurement techniques for the detection of damages in a vibrating cantilever beam, where measurements are taken while the beam is in motion, thereby imitating the dynamic environment of airborne structures and that of other scenarios as well. Judicious placement of the fibers helps damage-induced strains to appear as deviations from a zero-strain baseline, while most strains related to damage-free normal motions are filtered out. Such clear damage signatures enable a more accurate assessment of the damage size and location