Fiber Grating Sensor Systems to Determine Motor Case Damage

"Single and multi-axis fiber grating strain sensors were used to detect delaminations and cut tow damage sites in composite motor casings during Phase I of this program. Acoustic signatures were collected from multiple fiber grating sensors during impactand pressure cycling of the Phase I test article. Multi-dimensional strain field measures were used to measure damage remotely. The Phase II effort will be directed toward the development of a prototype fiber grating sensor system that can be used tolocalize and quantitatively evaluate damage to a composite motor casing. The prototype system will be able to provide essential information as the motor casing is being cured, after assembly and throughout its service life."