Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A photoelastic fiber-optic strain gage

  • Published:
Experimental Mechanics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper reports on the development of a photoelastic fiber-optic strain gage sensitive to transverse strain. The sensing element is made from an epoxy resin which is stress frozen to passively achieve the quadrature condition. Light, emitted from an LED operating at 820 nm, is transmitted to and from the sensing element via multi-mode fibers and the signal is detected using a dual-channel operational photodiode/amplifier.

This unique combination of optics and electronics produces a fiber-optic sensor having a high signal to noise ratio and a measurement system which is lead-in/out insensitive. Results show that strains on the order of 1 microstrain can be measured over an 800 microstrain range when a dummy gage is used for compensation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Liu, K., Ferguson, M., McEwen, K., Tapanes, E., Measures, R.M., “Acoustic Emission Detection for Composite Damage Assessment Using Embedded Ordinary Single-mode Fiber-optic Interferometric Sensors,”Proc. SPIE,1370,316–323 (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Bock, W.J., Wolinsky, T.R., “Temperature-compensated Fiberoptic Strain Sensor Based on Polarization-rotated Reflection,”Proc. SPIE,1370,189–196 (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Brennan, B.W., “Dynamic Polarimetric Strain Gage Characterization Study,”Proc. SPIE,986,77–84 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  4. Hogg, W.D., Turner, R.D., Measures, R.M., “Polarimetric Fiber Optic Structural Strain Sensor Characterization,”Proc. SPIE,1170,542–550 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Frocht, M.M., Photoelasticity,II,John Wiley and Sons Ltd. (1948).

  6. Kuske, A., Robertson, G., Photoelastic Stress Analysis, John Wiley & Sons Ltd. (1974).

  7. Kobayashi, A.S., Handbook on Experimental Mechanics, SEM/ Prentice-Hall, Inc. (1987).

  8. Sirkis, J., “Phase-strain-temperature Model for Structurally Embedded Interferometric Optical Fiber Strain Sensors with Applications,”Proc. SPIE,1588,26–43 (1991).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Lesko, J.J., Carman, G.P., Fogg, B.R., Miller, W.V., Vengsarkar, A.M., Reifsnider, K.L., Claus, R.O., “Embedded Fabry-Perot Fiber Optic Strain Sensors in the Macromodel Composites,”Opt. Eng.,31 (1)13–22 (1992).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 35899, Huntsville, AL

    W. Su (Graduate Research Assistant) & J. A. Gilbert (SEM Member) is Professor)

  2. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 35899, Huntsville, AL

    C. Katsinis (Associate Professor)

Authors
  1. W. Su
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. A. Gilbert
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. C. Katsinis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Su, W., Gilbert, J.A. & Katsinis, C. A photoelastic fiber-optic strain gage. Experimental Mechanics 35, 71–76 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02325838

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02325838

Keywords

Search

Navigation