Optical fibers can provide an advanced data transmission, diagnostic and sensing capability for future aircraft. There is a need to provide a monolithic materials capability for distributing fiber optic signals in computer backplanes as well as in aircraft skins and engine/aircraft structures. When optical fibers are embedded into a composite material, the fiber must survive the temperature and pressure during fabrication of the structural components. We are proposing to use a single-mode bend insensitve fiber with a high temperature resistant polymeric coating for withstanding the temperature and pressure and for transmitting the optical signals. In phase I, we will embed the above fibers in a graphite-epoxy matrix and will determine the effect of temperature and strain on optical attenuation of the structure.
