Damage evolution assessment of composites with embedded fibre optics by means of Micro Computed Tomography

In this work different optical fibre sensors (e.g. different diameter and coating thicknesses) have been embedded in a prepreg carbon fibre/epoxy laminate and manufactured by autoclave process. Strains built up after curing (i.e. cooling down) induced cracking through the coating for some sensors. Some samples were cut out from the laminate and subsequently fatigue loaded to failure. The damage evolution has been followed up at regular intervals by means of a non-destructive technique, known as Micro Computed Tomography. No significant evidence of cracks evolving around the sensors has been found. The damage was bound to its original dimension for the sensors which presented an initial coating crack