Quantitative Analysis of Phase Response Enhancement in Distributed Acoustic Sensing Systems Using Helical Fiber...

In this paper, we investigate the physical mechanics of vibration wave detection in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) systems with the aim of enhancing the interpretation of the quantitative wavefield. We investigate the nonlinear relationship of DAS gauge length and pulse width on the seismic wave response, and the result is explained by the trigonometric relationship of backscattered Rayleigh wave phases. We further demonstrate the influence of spiral winding on DAS performance and also build phase response models for P-waves and S-waves in helically wound cables. These models suggest that the winding angle controls the measurement interval spacing and the angle of wave incidence. Additionally, integration of structural reinforcement improves the amplitude response characteristics and SNR. The experimentally inspired results show, using simulations and field tests, that the same vibration sources can give helically wound cables with larger winding angles the largest phase amplitudes, which would substantially exceed that of straight cables. SNR increased significantly (approximately 10% to 30%). The efficacy of the method was also checked using experiments for different vibration amplitudes and frequencies. Such results provide evidence for the design and installation of fiber-optic cables for use in practical engineering applications involving safety monitoring.