Fiber-optic sensors in a rosette or rosette-like pattern for structure monitoring

Abstract

An apparatus, and related method, relates generally to a fiber-optic sensing system. In such a system, fiber-optic sensors are in a rosette or rosette-like pattern. An optical circulator is coupled to receive a light signal from a broadband light source, to provide the light signal to the fiber-optic sensors, and to receive a returned optical signal from the fiber-optic sensors. A spectral engine is coupled to the optical circulator to receive the returned optical signal and configured to provide an output signal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for a sensing system, comprising:
 a fiber-optic sensing system having acousto-ultrasonic fiber-based sensors coupled to receive light from a light source and coupled to a controller;   a fiber having the acousto-ultrasonic fiber-based sensors coupled to a structure, wherein the acousto-ultrasonic fiber-based sensors provide an array pattern;   the acousto-ultrasonic fiber-based sensors configured to detect strain associated with the structure; and   the structure has a cylindrical shape.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the acousto-ultrasonic fiber-based sensors are Fiber Bragg grating sensors. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein light source is a laser-based light source. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein light source is a broadband light source. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the fiber is integrated into a substrate for attachment to the substrate. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the fiber is mounted to a surface of a substrate for attachment to the structure. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , further comprising a protective film for covering the fiber mounted to the structure. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the Fiber Bragg grating sensors are for measuring strain. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the Fiber Bragg grating sensors are for measuring temperature. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein a first portion of the Fiber Bragg grating sensors are for measuring strain with a second portion of the Fiber Bragg grating sensors for measuring temperature. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the fiber-optic sensing system is configured to generate wavelength tracking logistics responsive to information from the Fiber Bragg grating sensors to monitor the structure for damage.