A micro-macro model for the effects of thermo-mechanical fields on optical fibres embedded in a laminated composite plate with applications to sensing

A coupled micro-macromechanical approach is employed to model an optical fibre in a reinforced composite. As a result, the opto-thermo-mechanical behaviour of the optical fibre is determined in such a way that the phase-strain relationship is based on the micromechanical behaviour of the host media. The microstructures of the carbon fibre reinforced composite and the optical fibre inclusion are analysed, and their mutual influence on the performance of the entire composite structure is estimated. Different cases of laminated cclmposite plates subjected to several cases of external loadings and temperature fields are studied. In-plane strains at the optical fibre, as well as in the composite are presented. The results are also applied to the study of embedded Fabry-Perot and radio-frequency fibre-optic strain and temperature sensors.