Optimal sensor placement for continuous optical fiber sensors

This paper proposes a method for optimal sensor placing for experimental modal analysis purposes. While many methods for optimal placing can be found in the literature, the one proposed here focuses on the use of continuous optical fiber sensors, such as those based on the Optical Backscatter Reflectometer (OBR) technology. The main difference with respect to classical sensors is that all the measurement points are placed on the same wire (the fiber) and so they cannot be placed independently on the structure. Moreover, OBR sensors measure strain, which must be converted into displacement to obtain the structure modal shapes. The paper will present the optimal method in detail, showing also numerical and experimental results on a plate, demonstrating its effectiveness.