Fatigue Detection on glass fibre reinforced polymer material using Fiber Bragg Grating sensor

The effectiveness of monitoring systems for composite materials is improving owing to their increasing utilisation. Abrupt failure in composite requires an effective detection method and monitoring system. The Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor is one of the alternative sensors used for detecting and monitoring the structural health of an engineering structure. This study evaluated the applicability of the FBG sensor for fatigue damage monitoring in the composite. This study involved composite fabrication and experimental work. The glass fibre reinforced polymer specimens were fabricated using fibre glass and resin and made into flat workpieces. The workpieces were then utilised in a series of fatigue tests. Prior to the fatigue test, tensile tests were conducted to verify the ultimate strength of the material. Commencement of fatigue tests were recorded using the FBG sensor. Once the tests were started, the signals were acquired using the FBG sensor simultaneously. Data acquisition was continued during the fatigue test progression until the specimen failed. Results show the FBG wavelength shifted from its original position during tension loading and whenever the composite was released to its original position in the cyclic test. The FBG sensor seems a promising way to monitor fatigue damage and can be utilised in fatigue monitoring. Its wavelength shifts or changes is capable to monitor fatigue damage progression effectively