Optical fibre acoustic emission sensor for damage detection in carbon fibre composite structures

In this note we describe a proof-of-principle acoustic emission based damage detection experiment. A large carbon fibre composite structure was made to resemble an aerospace component. This structure was dynamically loaded after damage. Optical fibre sensors detected acoustic emission events during the load cycles. These trials demonstrate that acoustic emission is suitable for damage detection in carbon fibre composite structures and that optical fibre sensors are sensitive enough for the task.