Atmospheric Corrosion Sensor Based on Strain Measurement with Active–Dummy Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

Abstract

Using the relationship between strain and thickness from the materials theory, this paper presents further development of the atmospheric corrosion sensor based on strain measurement (ACSSM). Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were used to measure strain in this study. The active–dummy method was employed to compensate the effects of environmental temperature drift, with the configuration and position of the active–dummy FBG sensors determined based on simulations conducted using the finite element method (FEM). Hence, the reduction in thickness of low-carbon steel test pieces could be isolated, ensuring accurate characterization of this parameter. Results of practical galvanostatic electrolysis experiments conducted with the FBG sensors in the proposed configuration demonstrated accurate measurement of the reduction in the thickness of a test piece, suggesting that an ACSSM with active–dummy FBG sensors would be appropriate for monitoring of atmospheric corrosion in steel structures.