A calibration method of mechanical strains from a temperature-compensating FBG sensor

Abstract

The sensitivity of a temperature-compensating fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor which has different FBGs in one fiber line was analyzed for the real time measurement of mechanical normal strain in structures. Measurement of mechanical strains of the aluminum beam surface by the double FBG sensor was performed under various heating rates and temperature range. The results were compared with those of an electrical resistance strain gage. A considerable delay in the strain measurement by the double FBG sensor during the heating process was shown, which could be quantified for the strain compensation by the introduction of a strain retardation factor to the FBG sensor.