A5.2 - Comparing FBG Strain Sensors with Electrical Strain Gauges on a Helicopter Rotor Blade during Whirl Tower Test

Fibre Bragg grating strain sensors and conventional electrical strain gauges were deployed on an Airbus Helicopters H145 rotor during a dedicated whirl tower test to examine the accuracy of the optical fibre sensors.Data was streamed wirelessly from the rotor hub-mounted sensor interrogator to a ground station.Changes in strain and vibration signatures in response to a sequence of controlled hydraulic actuator inputs were successfully identified and the parameters of interest of both sensing solutions compared against each other.The outcome of this work demonstrates the potential of using optical fibre sensors for flight testing and providing in-service operational data on helicopter blade dynamics.