Dr D Callaghan, Dr A Nolan
Applications accepted all year round
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Project Objectives
The overarching aim of this proposed research work is: To characterise the dynamic behaviour of FBG inscribed optical fibres with Nickle based coatings. The key objectives of the research programme are to:
- Design and build a two-point bend tester suitable to determine the strength and dynamic fatigue parameters of the coated fibres.
- Specify and manufacture six coated fibres confirm dimensions of manufactured samples prior to testing.
- Carry out a series of dynamic fatigue tests using the newly developed tester to determine the failure stress or failure strain under different loading rates.
Methodology proposed
The two point bend test is a standard method of investigating the mechanical properties of coated and uncoated optical fibre as it eliminates gripping problems experienced by other methods. A tester will be developed that can achieve constant strain rate, constant stress rate and constant velocity to achieve results comparable to those obtained from a standard tensile test. From literature the faceplate velocities of the tester need to be in the range 50 – 4000 µms-1. The dynamic fatigue test will be conducted on six coated fibres and one uncoated fibre to ascertain the failure stress of each.
Expected outcomes: (e.g. deliverables & strategic impacts)
The proposed research is allied with one of engCOREs three thematic areas of research, namely, Smart Materials and Mechanics. This thematic area in turn is aligned with one of the research priorities (Manufacturing & Materials) identified in Innovation 2020, Ireland’s strategy for Research and Development, Science and Technology.
The proposed research will be investigate for the first time the effect of Nickle based coatings on the fatigue behaviour of optical fibre. Nickle based coatings are now being used in the Additive Manufacturing sector to protect silica fibres during high temperature embedment with Titanium and Stainless components.
Results obtained from this research will be disseminated through high impact factor peer reviewed journals (Indexed in Web of Science/Scopus), such as Smart Materials & Structures and Materials Science and Engineering.
Research Core Group
engCORE http://www.engcore.ie