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Airbus A340 undercarriage rig with fibre optic sensors installed
The ATC has developed and evaluated fibre optic sensor systems for structural health monitoring and 'smart structures' applications and for mechanical system measurements.
Measurement capabilities include distributed strain measurement (for operational load monitoring in aircraft and maritime structures), temperature measurement, fluid pressure and proximity.
The ATC was the first to demonstrate a fully operational optical strain measurement network embedded in a carbon fibre 'smart' yacht mast (see Case Study). The same technology has also been demonstrated in flight in a turbo-prop aircraft. The sensors are able to log strain at multiple locations across a structure in harsh operational environments.
This allows a record of the usage of the structure (for example an airframe) to be built up. From this record a calculation of the structure's remaining operational life can be made. Extensive development of techniques for embedding optical fibres in structural composites has been undertaken and proven in harsh opertional and manufacturing conditions. Sensors for making mechanical system measurements have also been developed in which multiple, diverse measurements such as fluid pressure and proximity can be made using the same opto-electronic instrument modules. The technology has been demonstrated on Airbus landing gear test installations.
