Deformation measurement within adhesive bonds of aluminium and CFRP using advanced fibre optic sensors

Monitoring the deformation within an adhesive joint during the curing cycle provides valuable information regarding the build-up of thermal strain and stress. Distributed fibre optic sensors are very useful for spatial continuous measurements of deformation or temperature. Integrated into a hybrid joint, the thermal curing process of the adhesive can be monitored. This detailed insight into the joint helps to understand the deformation and thereby also the resulting stress. Analysing the deformation process establishes the foundation to adapt techniques to reduce the thermally induced deformation and thereby the resulting stress.