INTERNAL USE - Case Study preview opticalsensors_345

Optical sensors for lightweights

Fraunhofer Institute, Germany

Introduction

There are increased attempts to implement sensor technology to meet increased safety and warranty standards.

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Challenge
Solution
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Client Description

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Modern lightweight materials are increasingly being used in aerospace applications and in other branches, such as traffic and construction engineering, mechanical engineering and the energy business. Fiber composite technology in particular is resulting in huge weight savings.

There are increased attempts to implement sensor technology, either for evaluating ongoing mechanical stress/temperatures or for damage detection, to meet increased safety and warranty standards.

As the number of measurement points to be monitored in an airplane is very high, sensor concepts are needed that are capable of dealing appropriately with information transmission and data handling.

Due to its small dimensions, material conformity and immunity against electromagnetic interference, fiber-optic measurement technology is of particular significance in this area.

The complexity of the entire measurement system can be reduced by transmitting the data for all connected measurement points at the same time through one thin waveguide, resulting in increased stability and availability.

Fraunhofer Institute uses optical sensors on composite material

The figures show a bearing surface section for feasibility testing of a prototype test carrier (VLA - Very Light Aircraft) at the Fraunhofer Institute for structural durability LBF in Darmstadt, Germany. The monitoring in this case is of the mechanical stress of the structure, but the automatic acquisition of weight and center of gravity are equally important.

First fiber-optic monitoring system for composite materials in aircraft construction

Fiber-optic Bragg sensors and interrogators are also being used in the new Business Jet Comp Air CA-12. The US company Comp Air commissioned Chandler Monitoring Systems Inc. (CMS) with the system development, using interrogators, strain and temperature sensors from HBM's technology partner Micron Optics Inc. and optical transducers of the company Cleveland Elecric Laboratories for the fire protection zone of the engine compartment.

Results

This 10-person turboprop aircraft is the first aircraft in the world to be built completely of composite materials. A prototype with installed strain and temperature sensors was tested in 2007, the necessary FAA certification of the aircraft should be assigned just 30 months later. Comp Air Aviation will once again be fulfilling a trendsetter role in aicraft construction as this is the first time a fiber-optic monitoring system will be used.

About Fraunhofer

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, based in Germany, is the world’s leading applied research organization. Prioritizing key future-relevant technologies and commercializing its findings in business and industry, it plays a major role in the innovation process. A trailblazer and trendsetter in innovative developments and research excellence, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft supports science and industry with inspiring ideas and sustainable scientific and technological solutions and is helping shape our society and our future.

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