A sliding-mode-based observer to identify faults in FBG sensors embedded in composite structures

Optical strain gauges, such as Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG), have a great potential for smart structures, thanks to their small transversal size and the possibility to make an array of many sensors. They can be embedded in composite structures and their effect on the structure is nearly negligible. These advantages make them very interesting in the field of active vibration suppression. Unfortunately their low reliability is an obstacle to their use in such applications. For this reason, this paper introduces a fault identification algorithm to identify online those sensors which are not working correctly. The algorithm is based on the use of a sliding mode observer to estimate the coherence of measurements, and then to highlight possible faults. Once identified, the corresponding sensors can be excluded from the feedback loop of the control algorithm to avoid unwanted behaviors or instabilities. Numerical and experimental tests have been carried out on a carbon fiber structure considering different fault conditions. Results show it is possible to identify the faulty sensors and thus improve the signals used in the feedback loop.