Crack Propagation Calculations for Optical Fibers under Static Bending and Tensile Loads Using Continuum Damage Mechanics

Abstract

Static fatigue behavior is the main failure mode of optical fibers applied in sensors. In this paper, a computational framework based on continuum damage mechanics (CDM) is presented to calculate the crack propagation process and failure time of optical fibers subjected to static bending and tensile loads. For this purpose, the static fatigue crack propagation in the glass core of the optical fiber is studied. Combining a finite element method (FEM), we use the continuum damage mechanics for the glass core to calculate the crack propagation path and corresponding failure time. In addition, three factors including bending radius, tensile force and optical fiber diameter are investigated to find their impacts on the crack propagation process and failure time of the optical fiber under concerned situations. Finally, experiments are conducted and the results verify the correctness of the simulation calculation. It is believed that the proposed method could give a straightforward description of the crack propagation path in the inner glass core. Additionally, the predicted crack propagation time of the optical fiber with different factors can provide effective suggestions for improving the long-term usage of optical fibers.

Characterization of biodegradable core–clad borosilicate glass fibers with round and rectangular cross‐section

“…Figure 15A,B shows NIR images (Yb 3+ emission intensity) of the round and rectangular fibers, respectively, when a 980 nm laser beam is launched from a multimode fiber. The round fiber scattering consists of bright defects that are localized at its surface, very similar to defects found in bent fibers, 35 indicating that the defects have formed from the fiber handling and too tight bending. We also see some internal emission coming from the inside of the round fiber.…”

Fabrication and Characterization of PDMS Waveguides for Flexible Optrodes

“…Second, the low Young's modulus of PDMS, especially when compared to conventional glass fibers or glass fiber materials, which are additionally prone to breakage and to potentially cloud or dissolve over time. [37,38] Future research will include further core surface investigations and potential process variations with the ultimate goal to reduce roughness, hence leading to a decrease of optical losses and therefore eventually pushing the waveguide performance into the direction of hydrogel-based devices.…”

“…Second, the low Young's modulus of PDMS, especially when compared to conventional glass fibers or glass fiber materials, which are additionally prone to breakage and to potentially cloud or dissolve over time. [ 37,38 ]…”