Measurement system comprising an optical fiber equipped with at least one Bragg grating for measuring dynamic deformation, aircraft and process.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a measurement system (1) for measuring the dynamic deformation of an object (96), the measurement system (1) comprising an optical fiber (10), the optical fiber (10) extending at least partially within a tube (30) configured to be fixed to said object (96), the optical fiber (10) having a movable measurement sector (14) inside the tube (30), the measurement sector (14) comprising at least one Bragg grating (15). The measurement system (1) comprises a non-Newtonian fluid (40) filling at least one chamber (50) delimited by the tube (30), the measurement sector (14) extending within said at least one chamber (50), the non-Newtonian fluid (40) being in contact with the tube (30) and the measurement sector (14). (Shorthand figure: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Measuring system comprising an optical fiber provided with at least one Bragg grating for measuring dynamic deformation, aircraft and method.

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring system comprising an optical fiber provided with at least one Bragg grating for measuring a dynamic deformation of an object, an aircraft provided with such a measuring system, and a method.

[0002] Various measuring systems are known for evaluating the deformations of an object.

[0003] A known measuring system comprises an optical fiber having at least one grating Bragg. This system includes an optical fiber with a core that guides an optical signal, a cladding that covers the core and whose function is to contain the light waves in the core, and a coating that covers the cladding. Such a cladding is sometimes called "cladding" in English. The coating is sometimes called "coating" in English.

[0004] Furthermore, this known measuring system comprises at least one Bragg grating arranged in the core. Each Bragg grating makes it possible to reflect only a portion of the light having a particular wavelength. The light rays of the unreflected light spectrum continue their path along the core of the optical fiber.

[0005] The wavelength of this reflected light depends on the product of the pitch of the Bragg grating and the refractive index of the core of the optical fiber. The refractive index and the pitch are themselves functions of the external temperature and the deformation of the optical fiber.

[0006] Thus, a modification of the wavelength of the reflected light can lead to a modification of the temperature and / or a deformation of the optical fiber.

[0007] A measuring instrument called an “interrogator” then makes it possible to evaluate a temperature or a deformation from the reflected light.

[0008] To evaluate the deformation of an object with such a measuring system, the optical fiber is secured to this object. A deformation of the object then induces a deformation of the optical fiber and thus a modification of the wavelength of the reflected light. To optimize the measurements taking into account the temperature, the measurements can be carried out at constant temperature and / or a temperature measurement can be carried out in parallel using another Bragg grating or a thermocouple for example.

[0009] This technology allows an interrogator to evaluate a total deformation, but not to distinguish between a static deformation and a dynamic deformation of the object. However, it can be useful to evaluate the dynamic deformation of an object, for example to evaluate the lifespan of a dynamically deformable organ such as a helicopter rotor blade.

[0010] Document EP 0892250 B1 does not provide a solution to this problem by describing an optical fiber comprising at its end a Bragg grating, this end being surrounded by a plug with a low Young's modulus to obtain reflected light having a wavelength which is essentially a function of the temperature.

[0011] Document FR 2946140 B1 is also far removed from this problem by concerning a fiber optic hydrophone with Bragg grating.

[0012] Document EP 2507605 B1 describes a bearing comprising a ring provided with a groove, and a Bragg grating optical fiber placed inside the groove.

[0013] Document FR 2909446 B1 describes a device for measuring the mechanical deformations of a profile, this device comprising at least one optical fiber sensor with two cross Bragg gratings.

[0014] The present invention therefore aims to propose an innovative measuring system for measuring dynamic deformations, for example dynamic deformations of an aircraft rotor blade.

[0015] The invention thus relates to a measuring system for measuring a dynamic deformation of an object, the measuring system comprising an optical fiber, the optical fiber extending at least partially in a tube which is configured to be integral with said object, the optical fiber having a mobile measuring sector inside the tube, the measuring sector comprising at least one Bragg grating.

[0016] This measuring system comprises a non-Newtonian fluid filling at least one chamber delimited by the tube, the measuring sector extending into said at least one chamber, the non-Newtonian fluid being in contact with the tube and the measuring sector.

[0017] The measuring sector can move relative to the tube, by a mechanical connection. Such an arrangement is sometimes referred to as "loose" mode in English.

[0018] A non-Newtonian fluid has a viscosity that varies depending on the force experienced. According to the invention, the more the non-Newtonian fluid is subjected to strong mechanical stress, the more the non-Newtonian fluid tends to behave like a solid and therefore tends to secure the measuring sector and the tube.

[0019] For example, the non-Newtonian fluid may be a rheothickening fluid or a viscoelastic fluid, or even a molten polymer.

[0020] For example, the non-Newtonian fluid may be a rheothickening fluid comprising a liquid containing solid particles different from the liquid. Thus, when a force is exerted on the rheothickening fluid, the particles present in the liquid group together and bind together, which gives an ordered organization of the particles as for water in the solid state. When the force is canceled, the molecules of the liquid resume their places between the particles. For example, the non-Newtonian fluid comprises a mixture of cornstarch and water.

[0021] Consequently, a deformation of the object generates a deformation of the tube since the tube is integral with this object. On the other hand, the measuring sector is encapsulated in the tube while being able to move in the tube.

[0022] In the presence of static deformation, the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid is low. The tube moves relative to the measurement sector of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is then not deformed. The wavelength of the light reflected by each Bragg grating then does not vary or varies little.

[0023] Conversely, in the presence of dynamic deformation, the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid increases. The deformation of the tube generates a deformation of the measurement sector, via the non-Newtonian fluid. The wavelength of the light reflected by at least one Bragg grating is then modified. The variation of the deformation measured with an interrogator is then the image of the dynamic deformation undergone.

[0024] The non-Newtonian fluid thus makes it possible to estimate a dynamic deformation, and not a simple deformation without being able to conclude whether this deformation results from a static and / or dynamic deformation. Such a measurement system can in particular be used for a rotor blade, and for example a blade of a main rotor of a helicopter. Indeed, the lifespan of a blade can be estimated as a function of the dynamic deformation undergone by this blade during its use.

[0025] This measuring system may include one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination with each other.

[0026] According to one possibility, said at least one chamber can be closed by at least one plug arranged in the tube and sealed against non-Newtonian fluid.

[0027] One or more chambers may be delimited longitudinally by at least one plug and radially by the tube. For example, a chamber may extend between two plugs arranged in the tube and sealed against non-Newtonian fluid, or between a plug and a bottom or a partition of the tube.

[0028] Furthermore, the non-Newtonian fluid may comprise particles suspended in a liquid. The volume of each chamber may be optimized so that the particles are distributed homogeneously in the liquid in use, in particular for use on a blade subjected to centrifugal forces. The term "each" is used in the expression "the volume of each chamber" both in the presence of several chambers and a single chamber. The same applies in the remainder of the text when the term "each" is associated with another name.

[0029] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, the measuring system may comprise at least one ring secured to the measuring sector and arranged in said non-Newtonian fluid.

[0030] Each ring participates in the deformation of the measurement sector in the presence of a dynamic deformation generating an increase in the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid. Indeed, each ring constitutes a shoulder in contact with the non-Newtonian fluid and capable of constituting an obstacle set in motion by this non-Newtonian fluid.

[0031] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, said at least one chamber may comprise two chambers filled with the non-Newtonian fluid and arranged on either side of a said Bragg grating, the measurement sector extending into these two chambers.

[0032] A Bragg grating can thus be located between two sections of the measurement sector which can be secured to the tube via the non-Newtonian fluid in the presence of dynamic deformations.

[0033] Alternatively, the measurement system may comprise a single chamber, a Bragg grating being located between an anchoring point of the optical fiber and said chamber.

[0034] A single chamber may be sufficient to distort the Bragg grating.

[0035] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, the Bragg grating can be arranged in said at least one chamber.

[0036] One or more Bragg gratings may be embedded in the non-Newtonian fluid.

[0037] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, the measurement system may comprise an interrogator optically coupled to the optical fiber, the interrogator being configured to illuminate the optical fiber as well as to capture light reflected by said Bragg grating and to deduce therefrom a dynamic deformation of the object.

[0038] A conventional interrogator known to those skilled in the art can be used to emit a light beam into the optical fiber and capture the light reflected by the Bragg grating. A controller of the interrogator can be configured to calculate a dynamic deformation undergone as a function of this reflected light.

[0039] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, the measurement sector can comprise several Bragg gratings having different pitches.

[0040] Several Bragg gratings may be arranged in the optical fiber, and in the measurement sector in particular, in order to monitor the dynamic deformations at various areas of the monitored object. For example, the measurement sector may comprise about twenty Bragg gratings. Each Bragg grating is configured to reflect light in a range of values ​​distinct from the other Bragg gratings in use, to allow an interrogator to determine the deformations at various areas of the object.

[0041] According to a possibility compatible with the previous ones, said optical fiber may comprise a core provided with said at least one Bragg grating, the optical fiber comprising a cladding surrounding the core, the optical fiber comprising a coating surrounding the cladding, the coating having an alloy based on iron and nickel.

[0042] Such a coating makes it possible to thermally insulate the core so that the measurements are little, if at all, influenced by the external temperature and / or the temperature of the object. In addition, the evolution of the temperature can be a slow phenomenon due to slow diffusion constants. Such an evolution and its impact on the measured deformation can thus be identified to precisely determine the dynamic deformation undergone.

[0043] Alternatively, the measuring system can be used in the presence of a temperature that changes little.

[0044] According to another aspect, an aircraft equipped with an object may comprise a measuring system according to the invention, said tube being attached to the object or embedded in the object.

[0045] The invention also relates to a method implemented by such a measuring system. The invention then relates to a method for measuring a dynamic deformation of an object with a measuring system comprising an optical fiber extending in a tube which is configured to be integral with said object, the optical fiber having a mobile measuring sector inside the tube, the measuring sector comprising at least one Bragg grating. This measuring method comprises the following steps:

[0046] a) in the presence of a static deformation, automatically make the measuring sector mobile relative to the tube within a non-Newtonian fluid in contact with the tube and the measuring sector,

[0047] b) in the presence of a dynamic deformation, securing the measurement sector to the tube with the non-Newtonian fluid, emitting light in the optical fiber, and receiving light reflected by the Bragg grating, and determining the dynamic deformation as a function of a measurement law and said reflected light.

[0048] The invention and its advantages will appear in more detail in the context of the description which follows with examples given for illustrative purposes with reference to the appended figures which represent:

[0049] [Fig.l], a view of a measuring system for measuring a deformation of an object,

[0050] [Fig.2], a view of a measuring system for measuring a deformation of an object,

[0051] [Fig.3], a view of a measuring system for measuring a deformation of an object, And

[0052] [Fig.4], a diagram explaining the invention.

[0053] Elements present in several distinct figures are assigned a single reference.

[0054] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate various measuring systems 1 according to the invention for measuring a dynamic deformation of an object 96.

[0055] With reference to [Fig.l] and whatever the embodiment of the measuring system 1, this object 96 and the measuring system 1 can be arranged within an aircraft 95. For example, the object 96 can be a blade 97 of a rotor participating at least in the lift of the aircraft 95.

[0056] The measuring system 1 comprises an optical fiber 10. The optical fiber 10 is provided with a measuring sector 14 which comprises one or more Bragg gratings 15. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an optical fiber 10 having a measuring sector 14 provided with a single Bragg grating 16, 19 while [Fig.3] illustrates an optical fiber 10 having a measuring sector 14 provided with two Bragg gratings 17, 18. In the presence of several Bragg gratings 15, these Bragg gratings 15 have favorably different pitches to reflect light at different and distinguishable wavelengths. The reference 15 designates any Bragg grating, the references 16 to 19 being used to designate a particular Bragg grating if necessary.

[0057] Therefore, the optical fiber 10 comprises a core 11 provided with the Bragg grating(s) 15. Each Bragg grating 15 can be formed in the usual manner on the core 11. In addition, the optical fiber 10 comprises a cladding 12 surrounding the core 11. The cladding 12 can be a usual cladding intended to contain the light waves in the core 11. Finally, the optical fiber 10 can comprise a coating 13 which surrounds the cladding 12. This coating 13 can comprise an alloy based on iron and nickel to thermally insulate the core from the outside of the optical fiber 10, or can even comprise 64% iron and 36% nickel.

[0058] The optical fiber 10 extends completely, or only partially, in a tube 30. Optionally, the tube 30 may comprise tetrafluoroethylene. This tube 30 is secured by usual means to the object 96. According to the example of [Fig. 1], the tube 30 may be glued to a wall of the object 96. According to the example of [Fig. 2], the tube 30 may be embedded in a thickness of the object 96.

[0059] Whatever the embodiment and with reference to [Fig.l], the measuring sector 14 is made mobile inside the tube 30. The measuring sector 14 is not physically fixed to the tube 30 over its entire length and is therefore free to move within the tube 30, and therefore relative to the tube 30, in the absence of dynamic deformations of the tube 30.

[0060] The optical fiber 10 is further optically connected to an interrogator 80. For example, the optical fiber 10 is physically connected to the interrogator 80 at an anchor point 75.

[0061] The tube 30 may also be connected to the interrogator 80, or may be traversed by the optical fiber 10, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. In this case, a partition 32 may close the end of the tube 30 traversed by the optical fiber 10 to prevent the penetration of pollutants. The other end of the tube 30 may have a bottom 31.

[0062] The interrogator 80 may comprise a light emitter 801 of a conventional type configured to illuminate the optical fiber 10. For example, the light emitter 801 comprises a laser diode. The interrogator 80 may comprise a receiver 802 of a conventional type for receiving light reflected by one or more Bragg gratings and emitting a signal varying as a function of the wavelength of this reflected light. Such a receiver may comprise a photodiode.

[0063] This interrogator 80 may comprise a controller 803 communicating with the receiver 802. The controller 803 may comprise, for example, at least one processor and at least one memory, at least one integrated circuit, at least one programmable system, at least one logic circuit, these examples not limiting the scope given to the expression “controller”. The term processor may designate for example a central processing unit known by the acronym CPU, a graphics processing unit GPU, a digital unit known by the acronym DSP, a microcontroller, etc.

[0064] The controller 81 may be configured in the usual manner to evaluate a deformation of the object 96 using the signal transmitted by the receiver, a sudden variation in the deformation resulting from a dynamic deformation as explained below. For example, the controller 81 stores a measurement law providing said deformation as a function of the signal received.

[0065] The interrogator modules, namely, the transmitter 801 as well as the receiver 802 and the controller 803, may be arranged within the same housing or may be located in separate locations. At least one of the modules may be located on the object 96 or remote.

[0066] For example, in the context of an object 96 located in a rotating frame of reference, the transmitter 801 and the receiver 802 may be located in the rotating frame of reference. The controller 803 may then be arranged in the rotating frame of reference, or in a fixed frame of reference by being connected to the receiver 802 by a conventional transmission device such as for example a brush or wireless system.

[0067] The interrogator 80, and for example its controller 803, can be connected to a display 82 configured to display information carrying the dynamic deformation determined by this controller 803, and / or to a memory 83 capable of storing this dynamic deformation.

[0068] According to another aspect, the measuring system 1 comprises a non-Newtonian fluid 40 filling at least one chamber 50 of the tube 30. For example, the non-Newtonian fluid 40 is selected from a shear-thickening fluid and a viscoelastic fluid, such as for example from a molten polymer and a mixture of cornstarch and water which is a shear-thickening fluid. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a tube 30 having a single chamber 51, 54 while [Fig. 3] illustrates two chambers 52, 53 as examples. Reference 50 designates any chamber, references 51 to 54 being used for private rooms if needed.

[0069] In the presence of a single chamber 50, the Bragg grating(s) 15 may be located between the chamber 50 and an anchoring point 75, this anchoring point 75 being able to be the connection point of the optical fiber 10 to the interrogator 80 or being constituted by another connector 750 immobilizing the optical fiber 10 relative to the tube 30 for example. Alternatively, at least one Bragg grating 15 may be located in the chamber 50. In the presence of several chambers 50, at least one Bragg grating 15 may be located between two chambers 50.

[0070] Whatever the embodiment and with reference again to [Fig. 1], the measuring sector 14 extends into each chamber 50. Within a chamber 50, the non-Newtonian fluid 40 is in contact with the tube 30 and the measuring sector 14.

[0071] Furthermore, at least one chamber 50 can be closed by at least one plug 60 which is arranged in the tube 30 and which is sealed against the non-Newtonian fluid 40, or even by a bottom 31 or a partition 32 of the tube 30. The reference 60 designates any plug, the references 61 to 66 being used to designate particular plugs if necessary.

[0072] Furthermore, the measuring system 1 may comprise at least one ring 70 secured to the measuring sector 14 and arranged in said non-Newtonian fluid 40. For example, such a ring 70 is glued to the measuring sector 14. For example, the measuring sector 14 comprises a ring 70 in each chamber 50. The reference 70 designates any ring, the references 71 to 74 being used to designate particular plugs if necessary.

[0073] Under these conditions, figures 1 to 3 illustrate various embodiments.

[0074] According to [Fig.l], the tube 30 can be glued to an object 96. This tube 30 houses a single chamber 51 filled with non-Newtonian fluid 40, this single chamber 51 being closed longitudinally by a single plug 61 and a bottom 31 of the tube 30. The measurement sector 14 extends completely in the tube 30, going from the interrogator 80 to the chamber 51 passing through the plug 61. The measurement sector 14 further comprises a Bragg grating 16 between the chamber 51 and the interrogator 80, and a ring 71.

[0075] According to [Fig.2] the tube 30 can be embedded in the object 96. This tube 30 houses a single chamber 54 filled with non-Newtonian fluid 40, this single chamber 54 being closed longitudinally by two plugs 62, 63. The measuring sector 14 extends partially into the tube 30 and penetrates into this tube 30 by passing through a partition 32. The measuring sector 14 further comprises a Bragg grating 19 arranged in the chamber 54, and a ring 74.

[0076] According to [Fig.3], the tube 30 can be glued to an object 96. This tube 30 houses two chambers 52, 53 filled with non-Newtonian fluid 40. A first chamber 52 is closed longitudinally by two plugs 64, 65 and a second chamber 53 is longitudinally closed by a plug 66 and a bottom 31 of the tube 30. The measuring sector 14 extends completely in the tube 30 and extends in the two chambers 52, 53. The measuring sector 14 comprises two Bragg gratings 17, 18, namely a first Bragg grating 17 between the interrogator 80 and the first chamber 52, and a second Bragg grating 18 between the first chamber 52 and the second chamber 53. In addition, the measuring sector comprises two rings 72, 73 respectively in the first chamber 52 and the second chamber 53.

[0077] These three embodiments are given as examples to illustrate various configurations.

[0078] Whatever the manner of producing a measuring system 1 according to the invention, [Fig.4] illustrates the operation of the method implemented.

[0079] This [Fig.4] presents a diagram illustrating on the abscissa the time, and on the ordinate the wavelength of the light reflected by a Bragg grating 15 towards the interrogator 80. The curve Cl illustrates a variation of this wavelength.

[0080] To monitor the object 96, the interrogator 80 emits light into the optical fiber 10. This light is reflected at a certain wavelength by a Bragg grating 15. The receiver 802 of the interrogator captures this reflected light and transmits a usual signal to the controller 803 of the interrogator 80. This controller 803 deduces a deformation undergone.

[0081] In the presence of a static deformation of the object 96, the tube 30 tends to deform. In this case, the non-Newtonian fluid 40 deforms the optical fiber 10 little, or not at all. The measuring sector 14 is automatically made mobile relative to the tube 30 due to the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid 40. The value of the wavelength of the reflected light varies little during this period PL. The deformation determined by the controller varies little or does not vary at all. The controller 803 can deduce therefrom that the object 96 does not undergo a dynamic deformation, for example as long as the variation of the determined deformation is less than a deformation threshold, and can transmit this information to a memory 83 or to the display 82.

[0082] During another period P2, the object 96 undergoes a dynamic deformation. In this case, the method comprises a securing of the measurement sector 14 to the tube 30 due to the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid 40 which increases. The optical fiber 10 deforms at the level of at least one Bragg grating 15. The wavelength of the reflected light increases suddenly. The deformation determined by the controller varies greatly from an average value Vm to a peak Vp. The controller 803 can be configured to determine the dynamic deformation undergone. For example, if the variation of the determined deformation is greater than or equal to the deformation threshold, the dynamic deformation is equal to the variation of the deformation calculated with respect to an average value since a predetermined time.

[0083] Naturally, the present invention is subject to numerous variations as to its implementation. Although several embodiments have been described, it is understood that it is not conceivable to exhaustively identify all possible modes. It is of course conceivable to replace a means described by an equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A measuring system (1) for measuring a dynamic deformation of an object (96), the measuring system (1) comprising an optical fiber (10), the optical fiber (10) extending at least partially in a tube (30) which is configured to be integral with said object (96), the optical fiber (10) having a measuring sector (14) movable inside the tube (30), the measuring sector (14) comprising at least one Bragg grating (15), characterized in that the measuring system (1) comprises a non-Newtonian fluid (40) filling at least one chamber (50) delimited by the tube (30), the measuring sector (14) extending in said at least one chamber (50), the non-Newtonian fluid (40) being in contact with the tube (30) and the measuring sector (14).

2. Measuring system according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one chamber (50) is closed by at least one plug (60) arranged in the tube (30) and sealed against the non-Newtonian fluid (40).

3. Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the measuring system (1) comprises at least one ring (70) integral with the measuring sector (14) and arranged in said non-Newtonian fluid (40).

4. Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least one chamber (50) comprises two chambers (50, 52, 53) filled with the non-Newtonian fluid (40) and arranged on either side of a said Bragg grating (15), the measuring sector (14) extending into these two chambers (50, 52, 53).

5. Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the measuring system (1) comprises a single chamber (50), said Bragg grating (15) being located between an anchoring point (75) of the optical fiber (10) and said single chamber (50).

6. Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said Bragg grating (15) is arranged in said at least one chamber (50).

7. Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the measuring system (1) comprises an interrogator (80) optically coupled to the optical fiber (10), the interrogator (80) being configured to illuminate the optical fiber (10) as well as to capture light reflected by said Bragg grating (15) and deduce therefrom a dynamic deformation of the object.

8. Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the measuring sector (14) comprises several Bragg gratings (15) having different pitches.

9. Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said optical fiber (10) comprises a core (11) provided with said at least one Bragg grating (15), the optical fiber (10) comprising a sheath (12) surrounding the core (11), the optical fiber (10) comprising a coating (13) surrounding the sheath (12), the coating having an alloy based on iron and nickel.

10. Measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said non-Newtonian fluid (40) is a rheothickening fluid or a viscoelastic fluid.

11. Aircraft (95) provided with an object (96), characterized in that said aircraft (95) comprises a measuring system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said tube (30) being attached to the object (96) or embedded in the object (96).

12. Method for measuring a dynamic deformation of an object (96) with a measuring system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising an optical fiber (10) extending in a tube (30) which is configured to be integral with said object (96), the optical fiber (10) having a measuring sector (14) movable inside the tube (30), the measuring sector (14) comprising at least one Bragg grating (15), the non-Newtonian fluid (40) making the measuring sector (14) automatically movable relative to the tube (30) in the presence of a static deformation, the non-Newtonian fluid (40) securing the measuring sector (14) to the tube (30) in the presence of a dynamic deformation, the measuring method comprising, in the presence of a dynamic deformation, an emission of light in the optical fiber (10), and a reception of light reflected by the Bragg grating (15),as well as a determination of the dynamic deformation as a function of a measurement law and of said reflected light.,

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