ABSTRACT: Non-destructive testing methods of composite materials are very important for improving material reliability and safety. AE measurement is based on the detection of microscopic surface movements from stress waves in a material during the fracture process. The examination of AE is a useful tool for the sensitive detection and location of active damage in polymer and composite materials. FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensors have attracted much interest owing to the important advantages of optical fiber sensing. Compared to conventional electronic sensors, fiber-optical sensors are known for their high resolution and high accuracy. Furthermore, they offer important advantages such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, and electrically passive operation. In this paper, the crack detection capability of AE (Acoustic Emission) measurement was compared with that of an FBG sensor under tensile testing and buckling test of composite materials. The AE signals of the PVDF sensor were measured and an AE signal analyzer, which had a low pass filter and a resonance filter, was designed and fabricated. Also, the wavelength variation of the FBG sensor was measured and its strain was calculated. Calculated strains were compared with those determined by finite element analysis.

Keywords: Buckling, FBG (fiber bragg grating), AE (acoustic emission), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride)