Experimental development and evaluation of a fiber bragg grating-based outside air temperature sensor for aircraft applications

This study presents the development and rigorous evaluation of a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG)-based Outside Air Temperature (OAT) sensor designed for aircraft applications. Employing a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach, the research optimized the sensor's performance for reliability, accuracy, and durability in aviation environments. Experimental assessment covered detailed installation of the FBG sensor on an aircraft, considering influential parameters such as outside dimensions and varying temperature. The OAT sensor's design focused on robustness and precision for accurate real-time temperature recording, vital for operational efficiency and safety. Extensive statistical analysis assessed the sensor's performance under differing conditions, providing valuable insights into operational capabilities and overall efficacy. Thermo-climatic chamber tests simulated extreme environmental conditions to validate the sensor's durability and function under potential aircraft operational scenarios. This research enhances understanding of FBG-based OAT sensors for aircraft applications, demonstrating their superior robustness and performance capabilities, thereby contributing to aviation safety, operational efficiency, and data precision.