Validation of optical fibre-based SHM for composite aircraft structures using a building block approach

We demonstrate a building block validation strategy for structural health monitoring (SHM) of aerospace composite structures using optical fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. Standard FBGs are surface-mounted for global strain monitoring, while microstructured FBGs (MOFBGs) are embedded to resolve directional and through-thickness strain. We validate this approach from coupon to fuselage scale. The sensors detect impact-induced damage, and their outputs are fused into a Global Damage Index (GDI) that quantifies structural integrity. We show that the sensor technologies and damage evaluation methods scale effectively across component size and complexity, offering a certified path toward embedded SHM in aerospace composites.