Deflection monitoring method for two-dimensional structure based on fiber Bragg grating sensors measurements

In this paper, we propose a method that allows to estimate the vertical displacement of a two-dimensional structure by means of strain measurements. Fifteen fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) 10 mm long have been selected as strain sensors and embedded in a rectangular multilayer panel in order to test the proposed method. Only few optical fibers have been employed avoiding the complex wiring typical of the electrical sensors. The deflection tests have been carried out loading the panel in different configurations. Once the deflection maps were obtained, the values in the center were compared with the displacements directly measured by means of a mechanical comparator finding a very good agreement.