High density fiber optic damage detection system
First Claim
1. A fiber optic damage detection system for incorporation in a composite structure comprising a first fiber optic strand placed on or embedded in the structure in a pattern of multiple loops which define an area wherein loss of light transmission through the fiber indicates damage to that area, the fiber disposed in a multiple path reversal pattern, the pattern having loops in both the forward and rearward directions to increase the number of adjacent fiber runs in an area, to provide a high fiber density with a fiber spacing as close as 1/8", to detect damage with a minimum number of fibers and, means for monitoring light transmission through the fiber.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Optical fibers are used for monitoring the structural integrity of space based or aircraft structures where prompt notification of damage is required to effect rapid repair and thereby maintain safety and operational reliability. A plurality of optical fibers are disposed in an X-Y relationship, with the fibers optimally placed in a pattern comprised of multiple path reversals which provides extensive area coverage with a minimum of fibers thus defining multiple zones wherein damage within a zone is determined by interruption of the light through the damaged fibers.
-
Citations
24 Claims
- 1. A fiber optic damage detection system for incorporation in a composite structure comprising a first fiber optic strand placed on or embedded in the structure in a pattern of multiple loops which define an area wherein loss of light transmission through the fiber indicates damage to that area, the fiber disposed in a multiple path reversal pattern, the pattern having loops in both the forward and rearward directions to increase the number of adjacent fiber runs in an area, to provide a high fiber density with a fiber spacing as close as 1/8", to detect damage with a minimum number of fibers and, means for monitoring light transmission through the fiber.
- 9. A fiber optic damage detection system for a cylindrical structure, the system comprising a first optical fiber helically wound about the structure, the fiber wound about the structure to provide a high fiber density with a fiber spacing as close as 1/8", to detect damage to the structure, and, means for monitoring light transmission through the fiber.
- 21. A fiber optic damage detection system for incorporation in a composite structure comprising a first fiber optic strand placed on or embedded in the structure in a pattern of multiple loops which define an area wherein loss of light transmission through the fiber indicates damage to that area, the fiber disposed in a multiple path reversal pattern, the pattern having loops in both the forward and rearward directions to increase the number of adjacent fiber runs in an area, to provide a high fiber density with a minimum number of fibers and, means for monitoring light transmission through the fiber, and further comprising a terminal block having a plurality of holes, each hole having an end of a fiber therein, the block having a bundle hole for placing the opposite end of each fiber therein, the block being embedded in a composite structure.
-
23. A composite structure formed from a plurality of structural layers, the structure having a fiber optic damage detection system incorporated therein, the damage detection system comprising a first fiber optic strand embedded in the structure between a pair of structural layers, the strand disposed in a pattern of multiple loops to provide a high fiber density with a fiber spacing as close as 1/8", which defines an area wherein loss of light transmission through the fiber indicates damage to that area.
-
24. A method for incorporating a fiber optic damage detection system in a composite structure formed from a plurality of structural layers, the method comprising:
-
placing a plurality of structural layers in a mold; adding a first optical fiber strand on the structural layers in a pattern of multiple loops to provide a high fiber density with a fiber spacing as close as 1/8", which defines an area wherein loss of light transmission through the fiber indicates damage to that area; placing additional structural layers on top of the optical fiber strand; and
,consolidating and curing to form the composite structure.
-
Specification