Multimode polymer chirped fiber Bragg grating for shock and detonation velocity

Shock and detonation velocities are today measured continuously using long silica chirped fiber Bragg gratings (CFBGs). These thin probes can be directly inserted into high-explosive samples. The use of a polymer fiber increases the sensitivity at low pressure levels when studying, for instance, shock-to-detonation transitions in wedge tests. The 22-mm-long multimode polymer CFBGs have, therefore, been manufactured and characterized. A first detonation experiment was realized on a narrow Formex strip using such a sensor. The feasibility is demonstrated, and the associated uncertainties, mostly coming from the use of a multimode fiber, are discussed. (c) 2022 Optica Publishing Group

Automated summary

This article uses long silica chirped fiber Bragg gratings (CFBGs) to continuously measure shock and detonation velocities. These thin probes can be directly inserted into high-explosive samples and the use of a polymer fiber increases sensitivity at low pressure levels. The article manufactures and characterizes 22 mm long multimode polymer CFBGs and conducts a first detonation experiment on a narrow Formex strip, demonstrating feasibility and discussing associated uncertainties.