Education

Research Description

Dr. Peters is interested in structural health monitoring, optical fiber sensors, and composite materials. Currently, she is designing and integrating optical sensors into composites (woven, laminates, sandwich structures, and joints) and is studying self-healing composite sandwich structures.

Publications

The effects of accelerated Freeze-Thaw conditioning on CFRP strengthened concrete with pre-existing bond defects

Mabry, N. J., Seracino, R., & Peters, K. J. (2018), Construction and Building Materials, 163, 286-295.

Experimental study on directionality of ultrasonic wave coupling using surface-bonded fiber Bragg grating sensors

Wee, J., Hackney, D., Bradford, P., & Peters, K. (2018), Journal of Lightwave Technology, 36(4), 932-938.

The effect of short range order on the thermal output and gage factor of Ni3FeCr strain gages

Kieffer, T. P., & Peters, K. J. (2018), Strain, 54(1).

Highly anisotropic magneto-transport and field orientation dependent oscillations in aligned carbon nanotube/epoxy composites

Wells, B., Kumar, R., Reynolds, C. L., Peters, K., & Bradford, P. D. (2017), Applied Physics Letters, 111(26).

High-speed interrogation of multiplexed fiber Bragg gratings with spectral distortion

Van Hoe, B., Oman, K. G., Van Steenberge, G., Stan, N., Schultz, S. M., & Peters, K. J. (2017), IEEE Sensors Journal, 17(21), 6941-6947.

Mechanisms of signal coupling to optical fiber for FBG sensor detection of Lamb waves

Wee, J., Hackney, D., Bradford, P., & Peters, K. (2017), In 2017 25th international conference on optical fiber sensors (ofs). (Proceedings of SPIE-the International Society for Optical Engineering, 10323).

Mechanisms of signal coupling to optical fiber for FBG sensor detection of Lamb waves

Wee, J., Hackney, D., Bradford, P., & Peters, K. (2017), In 2017 25th international conference on optical fiber sensors (ofs). (Proceedings of SPIE-the International Society for Optical Engineering, 10323).

High-speed interrogation of multiplexed fiber bragg gratings with spectral distortion

Van Hoe, B., Oman, K. G., Van Steenberge, G., Stan, N., Schultz, S. M., & Peters, K. J. (2017), IEEE Sensors Journal, 17(21), 6941-6947.

Composition and structure of porcine digital flexor tendon-bone insertion tissues

Chandrasekaran, S., Pankow, M., Peters, K., & Huang, H. Y. S. (2017), Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A, 105(11), 3050-3058.

A spectral profile multiplexed FBG sensor network with application to strain measurement in a Kevlar woven fabric

Guo, G. D., Hackney, D., Pankow, M., & Peters, K. (2017), In Sensors and smart structures technologies for civil, mechanical, and aerospace systems 2017. (Proceedings of SPIE-the International Society for Optical Engineering, 10168).

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Investigation of Lamb Wave Interactions with Guided Modes in Optical Fibers

US Navy-Office Of Naval Research(7/01/18 - 6/30/21)

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Investigation of Lamb Wave Interactions with Guided Modes in Optical Fibers

Sponsor: US Navy-Office Of Naval Research

Start Date: 7/01/18

End Date: 6/30/21

Abstract

The goal of this project is to investigate the unusual behaviors observed in Lamb wave to optical fiber guided mode coupling. First, these modes will be mapped out in the structure, in the transition zone and in the optical fiber using a 3D micro-scale laser Doppler vibrometer. In particular, the conditions that launch forward and backward longitudinal modes in the optical fiber will be studied, in order to better understand the conditions that create directional behaviors. Next, additional components will be added into the bond region, for example protective tubing to identify potential interactions between the different components. Finally, interactions between the forward and backward longitudinal modes propagating in a single optical fiber will be forced to create hardware level signal processing for structural health monitoring.

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Porosity Detection in Core Laminate using Infrared Thermography

Cirrus Aircraft(8/16/17 - 5/15/18)

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Porosity Detection in Core Laminate using Infrared Thermography

Sponsor: Cirrus Aircraft

Start Date: 8/16/17

End Date: 5/15/18

Abstract

Researchers at NCSU will examine the use of Infrared Thermography to detect porosity in core laminate aircraft components. The research will specifically examine porosity present as a result of manufacturing in sandwich panels. Experiments will be performed at different frequencies and using pulsed phase infrared thermography to quantify the ability to detect porosity levels in simple panels and in panels with complex substructures.

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3D Micro Laser Doppler Vibrometer to Characterize Ultrasonic Waves in Naval Structures

US Navy-Office Of Naval Research(6/15/18 - 6/14/19)

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3D Micro Laser Doppler Vibrometer to Characterize Ultrasonic Waves in Naval Structures

Sponsor: US Navy-Office Of Naval Research

Start Date: 6/15/18

End Date: 6/14/19

Abstract

This DURIP proposal requests funds to purchase a 3D Microsystem Laser Doppler Vibrometer to characterize the signal transfer to a structural health monitoring (SHM) network of sensors mounted to the surface of naval structures. The equipment would support ongoing research at NCSU, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research to increase the quality of the signals received by the sensors and therefore the quality of the damage identification in the underlying naval structure. This characterization over a broad range of mounting parameters and configurations would permit the optimization of such sensor networks for military applications. By providing micro-scale, 3D displacement resolution, the equipment would provide both the in-plane and out-of-plane measurement of vibration amplitudes for ultrasonic waves in metallic structures and the vibration of the sensors in different excitation modes. These experiments would permit a quantitative measurement of the signal transfer between the host structure and the sensor that is not realizable to-date. The results of these experiments will be used to optimize the signal to noise ratio of various optical fiber sensor-mounting configurations for the nondestructive evaluation of the health of naval structures.

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Optimization of Structural Lamb Wave Coupling to Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

US Navy-Office Of Naval Research(8/16/17 - 8/15/20)

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Optimization of Structural Lamb Wave Coupling to Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

Sponsor: US Navy-Office Of Naval Research

Start Date: 8/16/17

End Date: 8/15/20

Abstract

Quantifying the role of different bond parameters on the sensitivity of FBG sensors to surface ultrasonic and acoustic emission waves and optimizing their performance as sensors, requires an integrated experimental, characterization and computational effort. This research project will investigate the role of viscosity on the measured signal amplitude and distortion in a FBG coupled to a structure with a viscous agent. Further, the signal distortion as a function of frequency through an adhesive bond to FBG sensor and how this maps to signal distortion in narrow bandwidth (Lamb waves) and broad bandwidth excitations (acoustic emission) will be quantified. We will focus on FBG sensor measurement of two different excitation signals: Lamb waves due to a narrowband PZT actuator and acoustic emission signals. The primary difference between these two cases is the bandwidth of frequencies in the signals, changing the level of dispersion and therefore its relative influence on the output signal. Finally, the strength and fatigue life of high sensitivity fiber Bragg gratings from a novel fabrication process will be experimentally measured.

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IPA Assignment Agreement for Dr. Kara J. Peters

National Science Foundation (NSF)(9/08/15 - 5/31/18)

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IPA Assignment Agreement for Dr. Kara J. Peters

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 9/08/15

End Date: 5/31/18

Abstract

Attached

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Spectral Profile Multiplexing of FBG Sensors to Enable Low-Power Optical Sensor Networks

National Science Foundation (NSF)(9/01/15 - 8/31/19)

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Spectral Profile Multiplexing of FBG Sensors to Enable Low-Power Optical Sensor Networks

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 9/01/15

End Date: 8/31/19

Abstract

We propose to derive and implement a novel multiplexing strategy for large FBG sensor networks that would enable the interrogation of these networks with low-power, low-bandwidth sources. The ultimate goal is to permit the integration of FBG sensor networks into wireless communication systems. The multiplexing strategy is based on identifying the unique spectral profile of each sensor through a rapid, cross-correlation algorithm. The cross-correlation algorithm will be supplemented with penalty functions based on prior information to reduce identification errors. The multiplexing strategy will be demonstrated on two applications: crash testing of automotive composites and lightening strike identification.

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High-density fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Networks for NDE of Composite Materials

American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc.(8/15/15 - 8/14/16)

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High-density fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Networks for NDE of Composite Materials

Sponsor: American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc.

Start Date: 8/15/15

End Date: 8/14/16

Abstract

The major aim of this research is to derive, implement and test signal-processing algorithms that would enable high-density fiber Bragg grating sensor networks for integration into composite materials for nondestructive testing of composite aircraft structures. By enabling high density sensor networks that operate with low-power sources, high fidelity information can be obtained to during cure monitoring, in-service structural health monitoring and during offline inspections. This research program will be combined with a PhD program of study in aerospace engineering to produce graduate research training in nondestructive testing of composite airframe materials in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University.

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High Repetition-Rate Shape Sensing Using Fiber Bragg Gratings (HISS)

US Dept. of Defense (DOD)(9/09/15 - 9/08/18)

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High Repetition-Rate Shape Sensing Using Fiber Bragg Gratings (HISS)

Sponsor: US Dept. of Defense (DOD)

Start Date: 9/09/15

End Date: 9/08/18

Abstract

The objective of the proposed effort is to develop a technology that will enable high repetition-rate shape sensing in a wide range of settings and can be integrated into the protective materials. The focus of this technology development is to improve the measurement of dynamic back face deformation (BFD) of body armor at a high repetition-rate. This will overcome two deficiencies in existing body armor testing and evaluation. First of all, the measurement system can be embedded into the material that simulates the body and does not require an exposed view of the backing material under test. Furthermore, it enables dynamic measurement of the BFD, not just post impact analysis of the deformed backing material. This allows researchers to perform a more realistic potential blunt force trauma analysis.

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REU Site: Summer Internships in Composites for Extreme Performance

National Science Foundation (NSF)(2/01/15 - 1/31/19)

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REU Site: Summer Internships in Composites for Extreme Performance

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 2/01/15

End Date: 1/31/19

Abstract

Advanced composite materials are revolutionizing the fields of transportation (including the aerospace, naval, automotive, and rail industries), alternative energy generation and infrastructures. In this REU Site, the student interns will be paired with individual research mentors and will spend the majority of their experience working in the laboratory. In addition, the interns will attend weekly interactive research training seminars with their cohort and will participate in two site visits to advanced composite industries in North Carolina. As part of their research experience the interns will prepare and present a poster at the Undergraduate Research Symposium at NCSU. To incentivize the poster quality, the top three posters will be selected from the cohort and the winners will be funded by the REU site program to present their research at the SAMPE meeting in the following spring.

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High Sensitivity Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors through Carbon Nanotube Coatings and Adhesives

US Navy-Office Of Naval Research(5/15/14 - 5/14/17)

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High Sensitivity Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors through Carbon Nanotube Coatings and Adhesives

Sponsor: US Navy-Office Of Naval Research

Start Date: 5/15/14

End Date: 5/14/17

Abstract

We propose to significantly increase the strain transfer from a substrate to fiber Bragg gratings sensors over a broadband of frequencies by directly applying a stiff carbon nanotube (CNT) interface to the optical fiber surface without long-term degradation of the fiber strength and performance. We will work towards this solution using two approaches. The first approach will be to coat the optical fibers with millimeter long, aligned CNTs which will be drawn from special CNT arrays and wrapped onto the fibers. The CNT sheets can be wrapped onto the optical fibers in the dry state for incorporation into adhesive, or wrapped with CNT sheet that is impregnated with a thermosetting polymer system. The second approach will be to replace the adhesive used to mount the sensors onto a composite structure with a stiff CNT adhesive tape with the sensor embedded in the adhesive strips.

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