Integrity assessment under various conditions of embedded fiber optics based multi-sensing materials

The paper discusses new self-measurement and reacting materials with embedded sensors and actuators. New mechanical structures are made with a new integrated material that can almost inherently sense external effects e.g. temperature and deformation and react to them. Hence, the need to embed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors that are inscribed in fiber optics inside materials for various applications e.g. structural health monitoring. The embedding technique can be part of the manufacturing process that can affect these delicate sensors. During this process, the sensors are subject to pressure, heat and deformation. The integrity of the sensors and the host material prior and after to embedding becomes very important. The paper discusses various characterization tests including strains, temperature, pressure and geometry effect on sensors placement while embedding within the host material subsurface. The results have shown that specific conditions are to be considered during the process of embedding to secure the integrity and good level of sensitivity of the sensors to deliver true measurements. The practice of these conditions has led to successful products.