Temperature and strain measurement using fibre optic sensors
Temperature and strain measurement using fibre optic sensors
OFDR technology (Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry) makes it possible to carry out measurements with very high resolution and high readout rates using fibre optic sensors. Complex structures or new materials can be characterised or finite element calculations can be validated or calibrated.
The institute has a measuring device for measuring temperature and strain using fibre optic sensors. This enables
Measurements inside the structures/components
Measurements in locations for which alternative sensors are too large, e.g. temperature measurements in fuel cell stacks
Experimental validation tests:
Extensive comparison of the simulation through a high number of measuring points
Precise adjustment using in-house tool for modelling the fibre in FEM software
Due to the small diameter of the fibre, the glass fibre sensors can be easily mounted in or on components to take measurements under thermal or mechanical stress. The sensors have minimal influence on the component behaviour. CFRP laminates in particular are suitable for this measurement technology due to their layered structure.
With over 1500 measuring points per metre of fibre, the behaviour can be comprehensively determined and simulation models, for example, can be precisely adjusted or calibrated.
Technical data
Measuring device
Luna ODiSI 6102
Measurements: Strain and temperature at high resolution
Simultaneously usable fibre optic channels: 2
Optical measurement
Local resolution: up to 1500 measuring points per metre of sensor fibre; adjustable measuring point distance: 0.65; 1.3; 2.6 or 5.2 mm
Strain measuring range: +-15,000 microstrain
Strain resolution: 0.1 microstrain
Strain accuracy: +-1 microstrain
Elongation system accuracy: +-30 microstrain
Temperature measuring range: -40 to 200 °C
Temperature resolution: 0.1 °C
Temperature accuracy: +-2.2 to 0.6 °C, depending on the selected measuring point distance
Optical sensor fibre
Glass fibre with polyimide coating
Diameter: 0.127 mm
Maximum measuring length: 10 m
Maximum distance between sensor and measuring device: 19 m