Fiber Optic Strain Sensors in Elastomers for Large Strain Measurements

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel compact submersible fiber optic strain sensor. The sensor will be suitable for operation in seawater, and capable of accurate measurements of strain or displacement to a maximum deformation of 150% strain. POC expects this sensor will find wide acceptance in the rubber and elastomer industry, where on. Also, the high-deformation strain sensor will be of critical interest to the Navy for programs such as the Elastometric Torpedo Launcher system, The sensor will be easily integrated into such systems for real-time monitoring of the elastomer parts during normal operations. Specifically, sensor combines two technologies: fiber Bragg grating strain sensors and elastomer fiber optics. In Phase I, POC proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of the elastomer fiber optic strain sensor.