Product Code: ICAL06_P526

Numerical Modeling for Embedding of Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors within Metallic Structures Using Laser Solid Freeform Fabrication
Authors:
Ehsan Toyserkani, University of Waterloo; Waterloo ON Canada
Hamidreza Alemohammad, University of Waterloo; Waterloo ON Canada
Presented at ICALEO 2006

This paper describes a numerical model for embedding of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors in metallic structures using laser solid freeform fabrication technique. For the characterization of the embedding process, a finite element model is developed for both static and dynamic conditions. The modeling consists of two steps: 1.Development of an engineered protective layer around the fiber optic to address the associated geometrical shape and the material properties. 2.Addition of a secondary layer on the protective coating to simulate the laser solid free form fabrication process and obtain the temperature field adjacent to the FBG sensors. The model maps the stress-strain and thermal fields inside the metallic structure to optical response of FBG sensor which can be used to investigate the performance of the FBG sensor, fabrication process and calibration of the embedded sensor. Also, the output of the model aids to effectively characterize the laser solid freeform fabrication process, so that, one can obtain the optimum paths, and process parameters to minimize residual stresses and thermal defects on the performance of the sensor.