Stress field analysis in composite laminates with embedded optical fiber

A typical intensity-modulated optical fiber sensor system consists of a light source, a sensing device, within which the intensity of light is altered by the measurand in some way, a detector to measure the intensity of the transmitted signal and optical fibers to carry light between these components. The optical fiber coating interaction with the host material plays a major role in determining the proper transfer of load from the structure to the optical fiber. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of the structure was performed to study and predict the behaviour of the stress/strain fields in and around acrylate coated embedded optical fibers in flexural test coupons of carbon fiber composite. The modeling results and the fracture surface scanning electron micrographs suggest that the soft acrylate coating is debonding.