Fibre-reinforced plastics are attracting more and more attention also in non-aviation sectors. The possible formation of internal damage and its difficult detection thus simultaneously increases the need for structural health monitoring. In this case especially fibre-optical sensors possess an enormous potential. In the previous work the use of a meander-shaped sensor layout was proposed, utilizing strain in longitudinal direction for loads monitoring and distinct measuring sections in zero-strain direction for structural health monitoring. In the present work, the proposed meander-shaped sensor layout is integrated inside unidirectional coupons using tailored fibre placement. Further samples without a sensor and samples with a straight sensor-fibre were also manufactured as a reference. The influence of the sensor on the static strength and stiffness is then examined in a test campaign using a three-point bending setup. In addition, the functionality of the meander-shaped sensor layout is validated.

Fibre-reinforced plastics experience an increasing attention also in the non-aerospace sector. However, the detection of possible internal damage of safety-relevant components remains a challenge. In previous work, a meander-shaped sensor layout with a single fibre-optical sensor was proposed as a particularly efficient and reliable layout and its suitability was demonstrated in coupon tests. In the present work, the approach was transferred to a leaf spring made of glass fibre reinforced plastics and investigated in an extensive test campaign with a realistic test setup. The investigations show the particular suitability of the proposed meander-shaped sensor layout for simultaneous loads monitoring and structural health monitoring.