Optical fiber sensors for structural health monitoring in airplanes

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a cost-effective approach to meet operational requirements, and to reduce maintenance costs in aircrafts. Besides, fiber optic sensor technology is a mature technology which can be used to monitor physical parameters of wing leading-edge surfaces and fuselage sections made of composites carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials. This paper deals with some applications of plastic and glass optical fiber based sensors for SHM. Among other, we will describe the results we have obtained for damage detection, impact location, strain and deformation measurements. We will also show some results of the blade tip timing and tip clearance in aircraft turbines. These are two of the main parameters governing the efficiency of turbine engine.