Project Summary

Proposal Number: 970147
Project Title: Fiber Optic-Based NDE Systems for Space and Aircraft
Small Business Concern:: F&S, Inc.
P.O. Box 11704
Blacksburg, VA 24062-1704
Research Institution:: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Eugene S. Brown, Assoc. Provost for Program Development
301 Burruss Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Principal Investigator/Project Manager:: Mark Jones
Technical Abstract:: F&S, Inc. proposes to demonstrate small-diameter optical fiber strain sensors embedded at and near the adhesive bondline between advanced composite materials to evaluate bond integrity . These sensors will also be demonstrated with composite repair patches on existing metallic aircraft components to directly measure strain transfer during the repair process and to measure the integrity of the repair in-situ. This work builds directly on F&S' unique capability to fabricate small-diameter optical fiber strain sensor elements. F&S' commercialized extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric strain sensor product was invented as part of a prior DoE research effort by our development partner at Virginia Tech. By modifying this device, full three-dimensional strain field mapping at the boundary will be possible. The program also builds on substantial prior F&S and FEORC research work with DARPA, NASA and Air Force "smart materials and structures" programs involving the use of embedded fiber sensors for the nondestructive evaluation of PMCs and other materials. F&S envisions a short-term product consisting of adhesive bond testing system. Phase III product commercialization funding for the development of this product is committed by FCT which supports similar SBIR product development and commercialization.
Potential Commercial Applications:: A broad commercial market has been identified for the nondestructive evaluation of advanced polymer, metal and other materials and structures, also including the evaluation of adhesive bonds.