Multi-Axial Stress and Strain sensing of spacecraft composite elements
Partner
Scope
Within the GSTP-3 framework of the European Space Agency (ESA), FOS&S has developed a fibre optical monitoring system based on Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors in cooperation with Xenics to measure the Multi-Axial Stress and Strain in thermo hardened composite elements using Fibre Optic Sensors (MASSFOS).
Figure: Optical fibre embedded inside thermo hardened composite material
Monitoring of the occurrence and growth of damage in composite elements is only feasible when the entire stress (or strain) state is known. A single axial measurement does not provide sufficient information. Static as well as dynamic measurements will be taken into consideration.
Therefore a special interrogation system and sensor configuration is developed. The focus of the project is on the integration of the sensors, the development of an interrogation system and production and testing on composite test samples.