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

Demonstration of Coherent Interference between Acoustic Waves Using a Fiber Ring Resonator

Kim, J. M., Wee, J., & Peters, K. (2022), SENSORS. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22114163

Ultrasonic frequency response of fiber Bragg grating under direct and remote adhesive bonding configurations

Navratil, A., Wee, J., & Peters, K. (2022), MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6501/ac2fea

Acoustic wave coupling between optical fibers of different geometries

Kim, J. M., Marashi, C., Wee, J., & Peters, K. (2021), APPLIED OPTICS. https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.441494

Announcing the 2020 Measurement Science and Technology outstanding paper awards

Discetti, S., Peters, K., & Yacoot, A. (2021, November), MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Vol. 11. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6501/abfc84

Dynamic back face deformation measurement with a single optical fibre

Seng, F., Hackney, D., Goode, T., Noevere, A., Hammond, A., Velasco, I., … Schultz, S. (2021), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMPACT ENGINEERING, 150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2020.103800

Fiber Bragg grating sensor response to ultrasonic Lamb waves with varying frequency

Navratil, A., Wee, J., & Peters, K. (2021), SENSORS AND SMART STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES FOR CIVIL, MECHANICAL, AND AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 2021. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2584277

Investigation on acoustic wave transfer variation between fibers of different diameters and types using acoustic coupler

Kim, J. M., Marashi, C., Wee, J., & Peters, K. (2021), SENSORS AND SMART STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES FOR CIVIL, MECHANICAL, AND AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 2021. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2584249

Optical Fiber Sensors for Ultrasonic Structural Health Monitoring: A Review

Soman, R., Wee, J., & Peters, K. (2021). [Review of , ]. SENSORS. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21217345

Self-referencing ultrasound detection of fiber Bragg grating sensor with two adhesive bonds

Wee, J., Alexander, K., & Peters, K. (2021), MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 10. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6501/ac065c

A structural-based computational model of tendon-bone insertion tissues

Kuznetsov, S., Pankow, M., Peters, K., & Huang, H.-Y. S. (2020), MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES, 327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mbs.2020.108411

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Dynamic, In-situ Characterization of Failure Modes in Fiber Spinning (NWI Core Project) - Confidential

NCSU Nonwovens Institute(1/01/22 - 12/31/22)

×

Dynamic, In-situ Characterization of Failure Modes in Fiber Spinning (NWI Core Project) - Confidential

Sponsor: NCSU Nonwovens Institute

Start Date: 1/01/22

End Date: 12/31/22

Abstract

Many of the fibers in production are naturally birefringent materials, which allows us to reveal the internal stresses, defects and non-uniformities that are developed in the fibers during production through optical polarization imaging. We will use a custom high-speed polarized imaging system to monitor the initiation and propagation of fiber defects during production. By varying the processing parameters, we can observe the evolution of the defects and non-uniformities and determine what parameters affect their development. The details of this research will provide understanding of the key limitations to speeding up production and in-situ feedback within fiber spinning equipment lines.

Close

High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear Fuels

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(10/01/21 - 9/30/22)

×

High Resolution Scanning Acoustic Microscopy System for High Throughput Characterization of Materials and Nuclear Fuels

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 10/01/21

End Date: 9/30/22

Abstract

The goal of this NEUP infrastructure project is to acquire a state-of-the-art high resolution scanning acoustic microscopy system to enhance NCSU’s educational and research capabilities in high throughput characterization of nuclear fuels, nuclear sensor materials, cladding materials, reactor structural materials and 3D printed components.

Close

High Efficiency Generation of Acoustic Modes in Optical Fibers

US Navy-Office Of Naval Research(7/01/20 - 6/30/23)

×

High Efficiency Generation of Acoustic Modes in Optical Fibers

Sponsor: US Navy-Office Of Naval Research

Start Date: 7/01/20

End Date: 6/30/23

Abstract

This proposal addresses the high efficiency generation of acoustic modes in and low attenuation propagation through optical fibers. Applying the proposed sensor technology to structural health monitoring of large structures introduces the multiple challenges of adequately covering surface areas of complex structures, adapting to changes in the structure over the lifetime of the structure, and providing localized, high-resolution imaging of structural defects in regions not necessarily known a-priori.

Close

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

National Science Foundation (NSF)(8/15/19 - 7/31/22)

×

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

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 8/15/19

End Date: 7/31/22

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.

Close

IUCRC Pre-proposal Phase III North Carolina State University: Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI)

National Science Foundation (NSF)(12/15/19 - 11/30/24)

×

IUCRC Pre-proposal Phase III North Carolina State University: Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI)

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 12/15/19

End Date: 11/30/24

Abstract

The NSF IUCRC for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) is specialized at innovating advanced fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and techniques for the rapid repair, strengthening or replacement of highway, railway, waterway, bridge, building, pipeline and other critical civil infrastructure. The Center consists of West Virginia University (WVU) as the lead institution in the current Phase II, with North Carolina State University (NCSU), the University of Miami (UM), and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) as partner university sites. The primary objective of the Center is to accelerate the adoption of polymer composites and innovative construction materials into infrastructure through joint research programs between the university sites in collaboration with the composites and construction industries. In Phase III, CICI aims to broaden its scope of research in composites to include: 1) nondestructive testing methods; 2) manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing; 3) inspection techniques, such as the use of drones with high resolution cameras; 4) in-situ modifications of infrastructure systems, resulting in enhanced durability and thermo-mechanical properties; and 5) cost-effective recycling of high value composites.

Close

Design of Acoustic Couplers for Sensing Applications

US Navy-Office Of Naval Research(1/14/19 - 4/13/22)

×

Design of Acoustic Couplers for Sensing Applications

Sponsor: US Navy-Office Of Naval Research

Start Date: 1/14/19

End Date: 4/13/22

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.

Close

Investigation of Lamb Wave Interactions with Guided Modes in Optical Fibers

US Navy-Office Of Naval Research(7/01/18 - 12/30/21)

×

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: 12/30/21

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.

Close

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

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

×

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.

Close

Optimization of Structural Lamb Wave Coupling to Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

US Navy-Office Of Naval Research(8/16/17 - 8/15/21)

×

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: 8/15/21

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.

Close

Aerodynamic Forces on Slender Body in Supersonic Cavity

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

×

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.

Close