Optical fiber Bragg grating sensors for process monitoring in advanced composites

The potential for increased productivity offered by automated tape placement method has opened up a wider range of applications as well as new markets for lightweight, fiber-reinforced composite materials in various industries. However, different flaws such as voids or delaminations may still occur during or after layup. In the experimental work presented in this paper, glass fiber/HDPE laminates with embedded fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are fabricated using automated tape placement method and the lay-up process conditions are monitored by FBG sensors. The results indicate that embedded FBGs can be reliably used for on-line monitoring of lay-up process and ensure the quality of final product.