Multiaxis Strain Sensor and Fiber Optic Network

Physical Optics Corporation proposes to develop a Novel Fiber Optic Unified Sensor System (NOFUSS) for multiaxis strain measurements in multiple locations within a canister of a vertical launch missile. This multisensor system connects a minimum of 48 strain sensors, each acquiring data on strain in three dimensions. These sensors are interrogated through optical fibers, with the signal time and wavelength division multiplexed to acquire data at sampling rates exceeding 5 kHz for each sensor required for measuring and recording shock and vibration history. NOFUSS is based on a canister-mounted network of passive electrically safe miniature MEMS sensors, fast data acquisition system technology, and a user-friendly graphical user interface. The sensors and light delivery fibers satisfy all military requirements for ruggedness and environmental stability and will have a minimum lifetime of six years, exceeding the life cycle of the missiles. In Phase I a working prototype of the NOFUSS was demonstrated with several MEMS fiber optic strain sensors and a fast data acquisition system; in Phase II an optimized NOFUSS prototype will be developed, and its capability to monitor vibration and shock on U.S. Navy missiles will be demonstrated on the self defense ship Paul F. Foster.