An Intensity Based Optical Fibre Sensor for Flexural Damage Detection in Woven Composites

Flexural deformation of the composite laminate and the integrity of the embedded optical fibres under three-point bending load were monitored. Signal attenuation in optical fibres was used as the damage indicator. The network of the specimen failure was primary dominated by fibre failure, low rate of transverse matrix cracks and internal delamination between two plies close to the tensile side. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on the fracture surfaces of the mechanically failed samples to examine the interfaces between the optical fibres and host materials, and showed interface debonding in the acrylate coated system.