Fiber Optic Sensor Systems For Smart Aerospace Structures

Current and projected advances in aerospace structures technology for such programs as the Advanced Tactical Fighter, Orient Express, and NASA space platforms are used as the starting point for a top-level structural monitoring systems analysis. Performance requirements are considered for such structures, and used to identify needs for integral sensors and systems. Implications of recent work are discussed, which have demonstrated the potential for fiber optic sensor systems which can assess and report on structural condition in real time. The essential system elements are defined, and constraints imposed by vehicle environments are considered. The resulting development needs, for fiber optic sensors and systems are stated in the conclusion.