Metallic structure functional sensor based on embedded PANDA fiber by ultrasonic additive manufacturing

Appl Opt. 2020 Jun 1;59(16):4880-4887. doi: 10.1364/AO.392317.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to embed PANDA fiber into metal aluminum by using the ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) technique. The functional sensing characteristics of the metallic structure were realized by structure design, precise positioning, and laying of the optical fiber and a tip coating (gold film) technique. The sensing characteristics of the metallic structure sensor including temperature, bending, tensile straining, and twist responses have been systematically investigated. Experimental results show that moderate sensitivity, good repeatability, and exactly linear spectral responses are obtained with -476.2pm/C for temperature, 1304pm/m-1 for bending, 0.6314pm/µε for tensile straining, and -332.3pm/(rad/m) for twisting. Based on its simple fabrication process and multifunctional measurement, it is clearly demonstrated that the metallic matrix structure with embedded PANDA fiber produced by the UAM technique is a functional structure with capabilities to monitor the structure health conditions and mechanical operation changes in applications.