Strain distribution characteristics of sensing fiber and influence on sensitivity of a fiber-optic disk accelerometer

In a fiber-optic disk accelerometer, the strain distribution of sensing fiber is crucial for the improvement of sensitivity. The distribution characteristics of axial and radial strain in the sensing fiber are analyzed by the finite-element method, and the influence of strain distribution on the sensitivity of accelerometer is studied. Sensors with different outer radii of sensing fiber coils are designed and manufactured, and their performance is tested. The resonant frequencies are greater than 200 Hz, and the sensitivity increases as the outer radius of the sensing fiber coil increases. The dynamic range of the sensor with maximum sensitivity is 145.8 dB@100 Hz, and the transverse cross talk is 32.5 dB. Among the sensing fiber strain calculation methods we tested to predict the value of sensitivity, using the strain of sensing fiber directly obtained by the finite-element analysis method shows the smallest error with experimental results (within 7%). It is concluded that in the optical fiber strain disk, the absolute values of axial strain and radial strain of sensing fiber decrease with the increase of disk radius, while the signs of axial strain and radial strain of the ipsilateral sensing fiber are opposite and remain unchanged. The sensitivity can be further improved by optimizing the inner and outer radius of the sensing fiber coils, which is very important for the research and design of high-sensitivity fiber-optic accelerometers.