Verification of the impact damage detection system for airframe structures using optical fiber sensors

The basic technologies of the impact damage detection system (IDDS) of composite structures were developed and demonstrated using a composite structure with embedded small-diameter optical fiber sensors by Authors in FY2002. In our current R&D, the IDDS consisting of composite structure with embedded optical fiber sensors and interrogation units is developed for practical airframe application. The system evaluation by using composite substructures and coupon specimens are planned to proceed towards product. As one of the foremost tasks for the application, it is important to evaluate the system whether having the probability of damage detection sufficiently or not. In this study, to evaluate the probability of detection of the system, the impact tests for barely visible impact damage (BVID) are conducted by using coupon specimens with being embedded small-diameter optical fibers. From the test result, reliability of the IDDS is evaluated.