Abstract
A system that detects FRP erosion automatically is important. To achieve such a system, an FRP erosion detecting sensor using on optical fiber was proposed in this study. The relationship between the erosion characteristics of optical fiber alone and the attenuation of light was investigated, and it was found that such relationship can be applied in an erosion-detecting sensor. The sensor feasibility was confirmed by investigating the erosion characteristics of FRP with optical fiber embedded and conducting tests to detect abrasion based on the light attenuation. Four point bending tests were conducted on an FRP laminated plate with embedded optical fiber, and the mechanical characteristics of the plate were examined. The results indicated that the embedding optical fiber did not degrade the FRP rupture strength. The proposed erosion monitoring system effectively predicts FRP erosion.
