Review of the Mechanics of Embedded Optical Sensors

The published literature on the effect of optical sensors and fibers embedded in host composite materials is reviewed. The literature indicates that improperly embedded optical fibers produce local distortions and resin-rich regions in the host composite that cause structural performance degradation. This is especially true for compressive loading of relatively thin composite laminates. Tensile strength is at most only slightly degraded. The available data are inconclusive for fatigue loading.