LAUSR

Abstract Copper based Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) coated optical fiber sensors have been developed for temperature dependent applications. Cu-Al-Mn-Ni (79.6%-11.9%-5%-3.5%) shape memory alloy has been coated over optical fiber using flash evaporation based physical vapour deposition technique. In order to obtain uniform coating and introduce strain during fiber fabrication process, an in-situ fixture with rotating drive assembly had been designed. SEM, XRD and DSC results have confirmed the uniformity, crystallinity and phase transformation of the SMA coated optical fiber. Phase transformation has been confirmed using DSC at 350 °C. The developed sensor has been characterized for the entire working range of 250 °C to 350 °C with a resolution of 0.5 °C. Losses in optical fiber signal during actuation have been measured indirectly using equivalent displacement obtained against change in temperature profile. Application of the developed smart optical fiber sensor for condition monitoring of additive manufacturing machine has been explored.