Sensing applications in aircrafts using polymer optical fibres Articles uri icon

publication date

  • June 2021

start page

  • 1

end page

  • 26

issue

  • 11

volume

  • 21

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1424-3210

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1424-8220

abstract

  • We report on recent advances in the use of inexpensive polymer optical fibres (POFs) for sensing applications in avionics. The sensors analysed in this manuscript take advantage of the unique properties of polymers, such as high flexibility, elasticity, and sensitivity, and they range from strain, elongation, and vibration interrogators to level and temperature meters, leading to cost-effective techniques for structural health monitoring in aircraft structures. We also highlight recent power-supply methods using Power-over-POF in order to feed sensors remotely, and we discuss the constraints imposed by connectors on the performance of POF networks in aircrafts.

subjects

  • Aeronautics

keywords

  • fibre sensors; level; micro-vibrations; polymer optical fibre; power-over-fibre (pof) connectors; strain; temperature measurement