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

High-Speed Interrogation Approach for FBG Sensors Using a VCSEL Array Swept Source

Guo, G., Pankow, M., & Peters, K. (2019), IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL, 19(21), 9766–9774. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2019.2927901

Preferential directional coupling to ultrasonic sensor using adhesive tape

Wee, J., Hackney, D., & Peters, K. (2019), OPTICAL ENGINEERING, 58(7). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.58.7.072003

Soft body armor time-dependent back face deformation (BFD) with ballistics gel backing

Goode, T., Shoemaker, G., Schultz, S., Peters, K., & Pankow, M. (2019), COMPOSITE STRUCTURES, 220, 687–698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.04.025

Strain state dependent anisotropic viscoelasticity of tendon-to-bone insertion

Kuznetsov, S., Pankow, M., Peters, K., & Huang, H.-Y. S. (2019), MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES, 308, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mbs.2018.12.007

Ultrasonic Lamb wave mode conversion to optical fiber guided mode with varying input conditions

Wee, J., Hackney, D., & Peters, K. (2019), SENSORS AND SMART STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES FOR CIVIL, MECHANICAL, AND AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 2019. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2514057

Announcing the 2017 Measurement Science and Technology Outstanding Paper Awards

Peters, K., Jakoby, B., Myers, J., Yang, W., Foss, J., Fansler, T., & Yacoot, A. (2018), MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 29(9). https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6501/aacf51

Design and demonstration of a seabird-inspired fixed-wing hybrid UAV-UUV system

Stewart, W., Weisler, W., MacLeod, M., Powers, T., Defreitas, A., Gritter, R., … al. (2018), BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS, 13(5). https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3190/aad48b

Effect of continuous optical fiber bonding on ultrasonic detection using fiber Bragg grating

Wee, J., Hackney, D., Bradford, P., & Peters, K. (2018), In SENSORS AND SMART STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES FOR CIVIL, MECHANICAL, AND AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 2018 (Vol. 10598). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2295833

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. https://doi.org/10.1109/jlt.2017.2769960

High-speed polarization imaging of dynamic collagen fiber realignment in tendon-to-bone insertion region

Wu, X., Pankow, M., Huang, H.-Y. S., & Peters, K. (2018), JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS, 23(11). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.23.11.116002

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

EAGER: Measurements of Bi-Material Interface Behaviors Under Dynamic Loading Conditions

National Science Foundation (NSF)(8/15/19 - 7/31/21)

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EAGER: Measurements of Bi-Material Interface Behaviors Under Dynamic Loading Conditions

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 8/15/19

End Date: 7/31/21

Abstract

The study of bi-material interfaces and interphase regions is important for many soft material applications. The performance of thin polymer films and multi-layer films depends highly on the gradient of material properties through the thickness of the film. These properties are altered relative to the bulk material due to chemical interactions with substrate or other material and geometric confinement. The proposed research will investigate an experimental technique, based on 3D micro-laser Doppler vibrometry, to measure both the material property gradients in the interphase region and the quality of adhesion at the interface.

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Design of Acoustic Couplers for Sensing Applications

US Navy-Office Of Naval Research(1/14/19 - 1/13/22)

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Design of Acoustic Couplers for Sensing Applications

Sponsor: US Navy-Office Of Naval Research

Start Date: 1/14/19

End Date: 1/13/22

Abstract

In this proposal, we propose to investigate the direct collection of acoustic signals using the optical fiber simply as an acoustic waveguide and to couple the acoustic information to an already existing sensing optical fiber with FGBs through an acoustic coupler. The coupler does not require cleaving or splicing of the existing optical fiber in order to process the new acoustic information with the FBG sensors. We will design, model and experimentally demonstrate a 2 x 2 acoustic coupler where the amplitude of the two output channels can be independently designed.

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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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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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Aerodynamic Forces on Slender Body in Supersonic Cavity

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)(7/09/16 - 9/30/19)

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Aerodynamic Forces on Slender Body in Supersonic Cavity

Sponsor: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

Start Date: 7/09/16

End Date: 9/30/19

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to investigate the magnitude of lift and pitching moment variation during an unsteady vs. the quasi-steady translation of a slender body from a cavity through a vortex-shear layer into supersonic flow. Mean- and time-varying, as well as frequency content of the normal force and pitching moment will be recorded. To correlate the forces on the store, simultaneous flowfield information, as well as surface pressure data will be obtained. The future application is to investigate whether timed-release of stores from cavities offer a benefit in a more accurate prediction of safe trajectory from the air vehicle.

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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 - 11/06/19)

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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: 11/06/19

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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