Shape sensing of inflatable aerospace structures with fiber optic curvature rosettes

The use of inflatable structures in aerospace applications is becoming increasingly widespread. Monitoring the inflation status and overall health of these inflatables requires an accurate means of shape sensing. This work reports on the application of local curvature sensing to establish global shape. The technique uses surface-attached Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) curvature sensing rosettes consisting of three curvature-sensing FBG pairs. Presented will be methods of extracting values for the curvature tensor using the curvature-sensing rosette, along with experimental verification. By using such rosettes on an inflatable surface, the geometry of the inflatable can be monitored in real time.