Impact of Moisture Absorption on Optical Fiber Sensors: New Bragg Law Formulation for Monitoring Composite Structures

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202410.2415.v1
• Publication Date: 2024-11-01T01:15:18Z
• Authors: Pietro Aceti; Giuseppe Sala
• Keywords: Fiber Bragg Grating

In recent decades, the aviation industry has increasingly adopted composite materials for various aircraft components, due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and durability. To ensure safety reliability of these structures, Health Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) based on optical fibers (FO), particularly Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors, have been developed. However, both are susceptible environmental factors such as moisture, in addition well-known effects mechanical stress thermal loads. Moisture absorption can lead degradation properties, posing a risk structural integrity components. This research quantifies impact humidity FBG sensors introduces new formulation equation, which accounts strain, expansion, hygroscopic swelling. The developed mathematical model, derived by differentiating equation applying rules mixtures, provides an accurate measurement wavelength variation, addressing potential errors caused moisture absorption. approach is crucial improving performance HUMS monitoring ensuring long-term extreme conditions.