Strain transfer efficiency model and finite element simulation experiment for end-bonded substrate-type FBG sensors

Area of Science:

• Structural Health Monitoring
• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are crucial for monitoring wind turbine blade integrity.
• Strain transfer loss through adhesive layers in FBG sensors can compromise monitoring accuracy.
• Understanding strain transfer is vital for optimizing FBG sensor performance in harsh environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a strain transfer efficiency model for end-bonded substrate-type FBG sensors.
• To investigate the influence of adhesive properties (elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, thickness) and FBG gauge length on strain transfer.
• To provide a method for improving the accuracy of FBG sensor-based wind turbine blade monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Development of a strain transfer efficiency model for end-bonded FBG sensors.
• Numerical analysis of key parameters: adhesive elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, thickness, and FBG gauge length.
• Validation of the model using finite element simulation.

Main Results:

• The proposed model accurately describes strain transfer laws in end-bonded substrate-type FBG sensor structures.
• Key parameters significantly influence strain transfer efficiency, with their mechanisms elucidated.
• Finite element simulations confirm the model's predictive accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The developed model offers a reliable tool for understanding and optimizing strain transfer in FBG sensors.
• This research enhances the effectiveness of FBG sensors for accurate damage monitoring in wind turbine blades.
• The findings contribute to the advancement of structural health monitoring technologies in renewable energy applications.