Embedding of Fiber Optic Sensors in Layered Manufacturing 314

Layered manufacturing enables integrating sensors during production of tooling or structural components. Sensors may be placed close to the points of interest prior to enclosure. Structures with embedded sensors are capable of monitoring parameters at critical locations not accessible to ordinary sensors. This work presents a methodology for embedding fiber optic sensors in metallic structures via Shape Deposition Manufacturing. Some of the main manufacturing issues are discussed. Embedded fiber optic sensors have been employed to measure temperature and strain. Proof-of-concept experiments on a non-contact fiber optic sensing system have been performed. By implementing the remote sensing system it is possible to measure temperature and strain of rotating components exposed to potentially hostile environments such as blades in gas turbine engines.The authors are grateful to acknowledge the financial support for this work from Office of Naval Research under the contract of N00014-96-1-0354-P00003.Mechanical Engineerin