by SIMONA SILVESTRI
Academics from Wrexham University, in the north-east of Wales, are supporting the flat fiber sensor research. The project, from £2.2 million, aims to turn optical fibre sensors circular into flat, in order to make composites manufacturing more successful.
Wrexham University is collaborating with others U.K. institution: Southampton University, University of Warwick, University of Nottingham, University of Herefordshire and University of Bristol.
Flat fibre sensors will be able to monitor the materials fitting, to optimase the performace of the component and to predict a possible failure.
The Professor of Composites Engineering and Pro Vice Chancellor of Research at Wrexham University, Richard Day, said: “The ability to make and employ fibre optic sensors, which are capable of having directional sensing opens up huge areas of understanding in composites and beyond.”
The research team will use the facilities at a state-of-the-art laboratory, the Advanced Composite Training and Development Centre, to develop the flat fibre sensors.
Dr Christopher Holmes, who works at the University of Southampton, said that this project is possible because: “The University of Southampton has fantastic cleanroom capabilities and a strong reputation in pioneering optical fibre fabrication and our colleagues have comprehensive knowledge of composites and their applications. Our joint research on flat fibre sensors could transform the ultimate performance of composite structures.”
Composites play an important role in aircraft, boats, wind turbine blades and cars manufacturing; therefore, understanding how composites perform is essential for manufacturers and this actvity will be easier with new sensors.
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22 February 2024
