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Metallic structure functional sensor based on embedded PANDA fiber by ultrasonic additive manufacturing
Applied Optics
|June 17, 2020
Summary
This study embeds PANDA fiber into aluminum using ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) to create a multifunctional sensor. The resulting metallic structure effectively monitors temperature, bending, strain, and twist for structural health applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optical Engineering
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Optical fibers offer unique sensing capabilities.
- Integrating optical fibers into metallic structures presents fabrication challenges.
- Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM) enables novel composite material fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To embed Polarization-Maintaining ANDstretching-free fiber (PANDA) fiber into an aluminum matrix using UAM.
- To develop a multifunctional metallic structure sensor with optical fiber.
- To investigate the sensing characteristics of the embedded fiber optic sensor.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM) for embedding PANDA fiber in aluminum.
- Employed precise fiber positioning and a gold film tip coating technique.
- Systematically investigated temperature, bending, tensile strain, and twist responses.
Main Results:
- Achieved moderate sensitivity, good repeatability, and linear spectral responses.
- Quantified responses: -476.2 pm/°C (temperature), 1304 pm/m⁻¹ (bending), 0.6314 pm/µε (tensile strain), -332.3 pm/(rad/m) (twisting).
- Demonstrated the sensor's capability for multifunctional measurements.
Conclusions:
- The UAM-fabricated metallic structure with embedded PANDA fiber is a functional sensor.
- The sensor can monitor structural health conditions and mechanical operation changes.
- This technique offers a simple fabrication process for advanced structural monitoring applications.
