Multi-Axis Fiber Optic Strain Sensor and High-Speed Multiplexing System.

SPA proposes to develop a real-time vertical launch system environmental monitoring system (VLS-EMS). This open-architecture system will accommodate 48 fiber-Bragg-grating-based tri-axial accelerometers (8 optical channels with 6 accelerometers perchannel) to monitor shock and vibration on VLS canisters at speeds of at least 5 kHz. The VLS-EMS also has the ability to expand to include additional sensors, including temperature and humidity sensors, to make it a more comprehensive monitoring system.The Phase I effort involves upgrading our current patented High Speed - Fiber Optic Interrogation System (HS-FOIS). The HS-FOIS already comprises of 8 optical channels that are capable of monitoring 20 sensors each at speeds up to 2 kHz. To increase thespeed of the system to 5 kHz per channel, a new CMOS camera will be purchased, the data protocol will be changed from frame grabber to Firewire 800, and a 64-bit data bus will be procured. The other main objective of the Phase I effort involves developinga tri-axial accelerometer from our existing single axial accelerometer design. SPA will manufacture and test several prototype tri-axial accelerometers. The ultimate goal of the Phase I effort is to demonstrate the tri-axial accelerometer design on thenewly upgraded, faster HS-FOIS.