Innovative optical strain sensor distortion of composites

The use of composite materials is crucial for the energy transition, but damage is difficult to visually detect. Composites are increasingly being monitored using fiber-optic sensors.

Centre of Expertise Digital Operations & Finance

monitoren van composieten

Composite materials are used in industries such as aviation, hydrogen storage, and wind turbines. The use of these materials is essential for the energy transition, but damage such as delamination, cracks, or fatigue are difficult to visually detect. Monitoring composite materials is therefore essential to ensure their structural integrity, safety, and longevity.

Background project 

Composites are increasingly being monitored using fiber-optic sensors. These sensors are more compact, have a longer lifespan, and can be used in more extreme conditions (higher temperatures, higher pressures, and electromagnetic fields) than electronic sensors. However, the strain to be measured is greater than usual for such sensors (up to a few percent strain), requiring both new sensor development and the development of measurement methods for characterizing and calibrating sensor performance.

Purpose

The goal of this project is to develop and demonstrate an innovative strain sensor based on photonics technology (TRL 4-5) for monitoring composites in the energy transition sector (wind, hydrogen, and aviation).

Target group

Users of large composite structurers as used by wind turbine sector, aviation or hydrogen storage

Method

This project is developing innovative optical sensor technology based on Fiber Bragg Gratings in glass fibers. A measurement setup for the calibration and characterization of these sensors is being developed at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The sensor's operation will then be demonstrated in a realistic environment in collaboration with an end user.

Results 

A validated fiber Bragg grating-based optical sensor with a measurement range > 5000 microstrain.

Start and end date

1 July 2025 to 30 Jun 2027

Funding

PPS-Programmatoeslagregeling MKB hightech, TKI HTSM

Collaboration

The project leader is Somni Solutions B.V., The Hague University of Applied Sciences is contributing to the development of measurement methods for the calibration and characterization of the sensors.

Degree programmes involved

Applied Physics, Next Level Engineering

Team

From THUAS, research group Photonics these persons are involved:

  • Jose Alfredo Alvarez Chavez, researcher and THUAS project lead [email protected]
  • Nico Persoon, researcher
  • Tristan van Trikt, research assistent/master student Next Level Engineering 
  • Junior de Vries, research assistant
  • Steven van den Berg,  professor Photonics

Contact

Jose Alfredo Alvarez Chavez, researcher and THUAS project lead [email protected]