Damage detection of satellite structures by optical fiber with small diameter

Although there have been many researches concerning health monitoring system in the aerospace field, most of such researches relate to aircraft; there are only few that relate to satellite structures. This research first points out merit of the health monitoring system. The health monitoring system usually utilizes optical fiber sensor of which the diameter is 125 mu m. However, such fiber sensors tend to be perceived as obstacles within the structure, which affects the soundness of the structure. This is especially the case in satellite structure, which utilizes especially thin composite laminates. In view of this problem, this study utilizes small diameter optical fiber, which is less likely to affect the soundness of the structure. The optical fiber is 40 mu m in cladding diameter, and is embedded in the composite laminate structure. The structure and the optical fiber have been visually observed. Also, tensile test has been conducted on the structure. The result of the study indicates that the small diameter optical fiber can be embedded in the structure without affecting the soundness of the structure. The study further found that compressive destruction of a face sheet of a honeycomb sandwich panel having thin face sheets can be detected by utilizing this optical fiber.