System and method for monitoring a component in production as well as in service

摘要

The present invention provides a system (1) for monitoring a fibre-reinforced composite component (10) in production or in service. The system comprises: a composite component (10) having reinforcing fibres which are encompassed by a matrix material (M); at least one optical fibre (14) arranged to extend in a continuous path over a monitoring area (15) of the composite component (10) for contact with the matrix material (M); a signal generator (21) configured to transmit an optical signal along the at least one optical fibre (14); and a detector device (22) configured to detect scattering, and in particular backscattering, of the optical signal transmitted along the at least one optical fibre (14). The composite component (10) is incorporated in the structure of an aircraft (30), especially in the form of structural member, and the signal generator (21) is configured to transmit optical control signals to one or more operational unit of the aircraft (30) along the at least one optical fibre (14).