Work

Research Progress on Optical Fiber Sensing Based Health Monitoring Technology for Aerospace Composite Structures

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The large-scale deployment of aerospace composite structures has become a defining trend in modern aeronautics; however, hidden damage is difficult to detect over the full life cycle with conventional non-destructive inspection. This creates an urgent demand for on-line, high-fidelity structural health monitoring (SHM) technology. Optical-fiber sensors—featuring minimal mass, micron-scale diameter, immunity to electromagnetic interference and the ability to be co-cured into composite laminates for distributed measurement—are widely regarded as the key enabling technology. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent advances and engineering applications of optical fiber sensing. Emphasis is placed on its engineering applications covering wing strain mapping, landing-gear load tracking, fuselage deformation localization, and cure-process monitoring and low-velocity impact damage identification of composite materials. Emerging intelligent assessment methodologies are examined. Finally, the development trends of optical fiber sensing technology are prospected, offering a reference framework for future theoretical innovation and engineering deployment of aerospace composite SHM technology.

Source: Machines

DOI: 10.3390/machines14010031

Authors: Xiang Zhou, Xiaolei Zhang, Jianxin He, Chao Yin, Xing Shen

Institutions: Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Fiber Optic Sensors

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896