In-Flight Strain Measurement Using Fiber Optics in a Geotechnical Centrifuge
In-Flight Strain Measurement Using Fiber Optics in a Geotechnical Centrifuge
This paper details the application of distributed fibre-optic sensing (DFOS) based on Rayleigh backscatter for real-time in-flight strain measurement in a large-beam geotechnical centrifuge. While conventional methods like strain gauges are limited to discrete points, DFOS provides a continuous, high-resolution strain profile along the entire length of a fibre, offering a more comprehensive view of structural deformation.
The study validated this technique by comparing fibre optic sensors against traditional strain gauges on identical aluminum and steel plates. These plates were subjected to incrementally increasing centrifugal forces, with measurements taken at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g. The preliminary results confirmed that the fibre-optic system provides accuracy comparable to conventional gauges across both materials, with the significant advantage of capturing the full, distributed strain profile and bending behaviour. The paper concludes that, despite requiring more complex data processing for calibration and temperature compensation, fibre optic sensing is a transformative tool that enhances the data-gathering capabilities of geotechnical centrifuge modeling.
J. Westcott; G. Eichhorn; A. Bowman; Clint Barela
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 1: New facilities, new equipment, and measuring techniques
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-294