Experimental and Numerical Studies of an Acoustic Coupler for Multiplexing of Guided Waves for SHM

Abstract

Optical fibers can propagate both lightwaves and ultrasonic waves, as has been recently shown to be useful for guided wave based SHM. Additionally, the ultrasonic waves can be transferred between optical fibers using an acoustic coupler. This paper discusses the role of geometrical parameters on the acoustic energy transferred between two cylindrical waveguides, through a bonded coupler. Finite element simulations of the energy transfer are performed for different parameter sweeps.