Braided Fabrication of a Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor

Abstract

Our objective was to construct textile braiding manufacturing methods to facilitate high precision and accurate measurements using optical fiber Bragg grating sensors for various structures. We aimed to combine three-dimensional (3D) braiding processing with the optical Bragg grating sensor’s accurate metrology. Outside the limits of the sensor’s epoxy attachment methods, the textile braiding method can diversify the scope of application. The braiding process can be used to design a 3D fabric module process for multiple objective mechanical fiber arrangements and material characteristics. Optical stress–strain response conditions were explored through the optimization of design elements between the Bragg grating sensor and the braiding. Here, Bragg grating sensors were located 75% away from the fiber center. The sensor core structure was helical with a 1.54 cm pitch, and a polyurethane synthetic yarn was braided together with the sensor using a weaving machine. From the prototype results, a negative Poisson’s ratio resulted in a curled braided Bragg grating sensor. The number of polyurethane strands was studied to determine the role of wrap angle in the braiding. The 12-strands condition showed an increase in double stress–strain response rate at a Poisson’s ratio of 1.3%, and the 16-strands condition was found to have noise affecting the sensor at a Poisson’s ratio of 1.5%. The findings suggested the application of braiding fabrication to the Bragg grating sensor could help to develop a new monitoring sensor.