Distributed fibre optic pressure sensors designed for composite propeller integration

Distributed pressure measurements from the lifting surfaces of aeronautical platforms provide valuable information to validate model predictions. These measurements are typically made on scale models of the structure in wind or water tunnels and require the sensors to be integrated into the model with minimal intrusion on the surface profile so as not to disrupt the flow. The small footprint and capacity for multiplexing of optical fibre-based sensors offer potential for successful application in this area. This paper reports on an experimental assessment of three distributed fibre optic pressure sensor designs intended for integration with the lifting surfaces of composite marine propeller blades.