3D-Printed Tilt Sensor Based on an Embedded Two-Mode Fiber Interferometer
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-15-2021
Abstract
A 3D-printed tilt fiber sensor using a two-mode fiber interferometer (TMFI) as the sensing mechanism has been demonstrated. The TMFI was constructed by splicing single-mode fibers (SMF-28s) at both ends of a two-mode fiber (TMF) to generate a comb-like interference spectrum that is sensitive to bending. A 3D-printed cantilever with a weight attached to one end was used to induce bending as the structure was tilted and by embedding the TMFI onto the 3D printed cantilever, different tilt angles can be measured, as a result of the bending of the fiber. The TMFI exhibited a linear response towards the tilt angles, theta, with a responsivity of 1 x 10(-2) nm/deg at negative theta (0 to -90 degrees) and 5 x 10(-3) nm/deg at positive theta (0 to 90 degrees), respectively. The sensor was able to detect small angle changes in increments as small as 1 degrees and it performs better than embedded FBG sensors. The tilt sensor proposed has a small form factor and simple design, as well as being cost-effective and light-weight, thus showing significant potential for a variety of civil engineering applications.
Keywords
Fused deposition modelling, Tilt sensor, Two-mode fiber
Funders
Universiti Malaya (IF022-2020) (RU0022020) (RU011-2019) (TOP100PRC)
Publication Title
IEEE Sensors Journal
Volume
21
Issue
6
Publisher
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Publisher Location
445 HOES LANE, PISCATAWAY, NJ 08855-4141 USA