Measurement of Lateral Storage and Loss Moduli of Optical Fibers Under Line Contact Loads Using Modified DMTA ...

A proposed technical approach and Phase I work plan is given for developing instrumentation capable of measuring the lateral storage (elastic) and loss moduli of parallel optical fibers under lateral line contact loads representing conditions found in precision parallel wound high speed payout dispensers typical of those undergoing development for applications in fiber optic guided vehicles. Critical issues, secondary Phase I technical objectives, goals, and milestones are identified relative to the design of an optical fiber test cell and integration with both "off-the-shelf" Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) and scanning laser micrometer instrumentation as well as the development of software for the integration of measurement data, analysis of opticla fiber test cell lateral line contact loading conditions, and generation of reduced lateral storage modulus and loss modulus data. Specific, detailed, Phase I work plan tasks are given for investigating the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed measurement methodology and instrumentation approach. Anticipated Benefits: Tactical systems such as FOG-M, EFOG-M, LONGFOG, FOMP, SEABEAR, and SKYRAY are capitalizing on use of secure, covert, high bandwidth, optical fiber data links. Here the optical fiber is wound into a payout dispenser where it is laterally deformed by line contact loads. Viscoelastic data is needed on opticla fibers exposed to these loads in order to support engineering analysis and design efforts. Early indications have uncovered several commercial firms that are interested in obtaining such a measurement capability.