Composite Shape, Strain and Temperature Monitoring of EMRG Structures

Damage to the composite containment structure surrounding and forming the structural members of electromagnetic launchers is difficult to detect using conventional non-destructive methods. These methods do not operate at the speeds necessary to detect impending failures between launches. Additionally, temperature data at high spatial resolutions are essential to predictions of health of the structure and remaining life. A heath monitoring and temperature sensing system is needed to ensure successful development and deployment of these future weapons platforms. Luna Innovations is proposing to develop a fiber optic shape, strain, and temperature monitoring system for Navy electromagnetic launch systems. The proposed system will be capable of making distributed strain and temperature measurements. High frequency temperature sensors will also be developed that will capture the transient temperatures present during a launch. The use of a fiber optic system has many advantages in size, weight, flexibility, and most importantly its inherent resistance to high EMI environments. During Phase I, Luna will demonstrate the feasibility of the system through extensive modeling and testing. During Phase II the team will validate the system during field testing on railgun prototypes, demonstrating the performance of the sensing system.