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

Announcing the 2016 Measurement Science and Technology Outstanding Paper Awards

Foss, J., Peters, K., & Yang, W. Q. (2017), Measurement Science & Technology, 28(7).

Simulating increased Lamb wave detection sensitivity of surface bonded fiber Bragg grating

Wee, J., Hackney, D. A., Bradford, P. D., & Peters, K. J. (2017), Smart Materials & Structures, 26(4).

Interrogation of a spectral profile division multiplexed FBG sensor network using a modified particle swarm optimization method

Guo, G. D., Hackney, D., Pankow, M., & Peters, K. (2017), Measurement Science & Technology, 28(5).

Dynamic polarization microscopy for in-situ measurements of collagen fiber realignment during impact

Wu, X. Y., Huang, H. Y. S., Pankow, M., & Peters, K. (2017), In Mechanics of biological systems and materials, vol 6. (Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series, ) (pp. 61-66).

Fiber-optic temperature profiling for thermal protection system heat shields (vol 55, 114101, 2016)

Black, R. J., Costa, J. M., Zarnescu, L., Hackney, D. A., Moslehi, B., & Peters, K. J. (2016), Optical Engineering, 55(11).

Fiber Bragg gratings as transient thermal gradient sensors

Hackney, D. A., Peters, K. J., Black, R. J., Costa, J. M., & Moslehi, B. (2016), Optical Engineering, 55(11).

Fiber-optic temperature profiling for thermal protection system heat shields

Black, R. J., Costa, J. M., Zarnescu, L., Hackney, D. A., Moslehi, B., & Peters, K. J. (2016), Optical Engineering, 55(11).

Split Hopkinson bar measurement using high-speed full-spectrum fiber Bragg grating interrogation

Seng, F., Hackney, D., Goode, T., Shumway, L., Hammond, A., Shoemaker, G., Pankow, M., Peters, K., & Schultz, S. (2016), Applied Optics, 55(25), 7179-7185.

Networking of optical fiber sensors for extreme environments

Peters, K. (2016), In Sensors and smart structures technologies for civil, mechanical, and aerospace systems 2016. (Proceedings of SPIE-the International Society for Optical Engineering, 9803).

Sensitivity of contact-free fiber Bragg grating sensors to ultrasonic Lamb waves

Wee, J., Hackney, D., Peters, K., Wells, B., & Bradford, P. (2016), In Sensors and smart structures technologies for civil, mechanical, and aerospace systems 2016. (Proceedings of SPIE-the International Society for Optical Engineering, 9803).

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

IPA Assignment Agreement for Dr. Kara J. Peters

National Science Foundation (NSF)(9/08/15 - 9/07/17)

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IPA Assignment Agreement for Dr. Kara J. Peters

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 9/08/15

End Date: 9/07/17

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 - 8/31/18)

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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: 8/31/18

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 - 1/31/18)

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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: 1/31/18

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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Angelfish: Initial Planning and Project Management

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)(6/19/14 - 1/31/16)

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Angelfish: Initial Planning and Project Management

Sponsor: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Start Date: 6/19/14

End Date: 1/31/16

Abstract

The objective of Project Angelfish is to develop a dual-purpose (air and water) unmanned system, referred to as Angelfish. The system to be developed will be capable of locomotion and controlled maneuvering in both the aerial and subsurface domains. The air-purpose performance (flight distance, duration, etc.) is to be minimally compromised by the water-purpose requirements, and the transition between air and water are to be as reliable as possible, again with minimal performance penalty (power). The goal of the effort is to develop alternative designs that lie throughout the trade space and to focus the further development on the most promising design or set of designs.

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Damage Detection in Adhesively-Bonded, Stiffened Panels

US Navy - Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)(5/01/14 - 9/01/15)

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Damage Detection in Adhesively-Bonded, Stiffened Panels

Sponsor: US Navy - Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)

Start Date: 5/01/14

End Date: 9/01/15

Abstract

This project will investigate the value of information gained from FBG sensors embedded in an adhesive bond of a stiffened composite panel. The obtained sensor information will be applied to prognostics of the joint performance during fatigue loading. The test panel will be fabricated at NIAR in Wichita, KS, per NAVAIR specifications.

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Dynamic Structure-Property Evolution at the Tendon-to-Bone Insertions

National Science Foundation (NSF)(5/15/14 - 4/30/17)

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Dynamic Structure-Property Evolution at the Tendon-to-Bone Insertions

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 5/15/14

End Date: 4/30/17

Abstract

The proposed work aims to understand structure-propoerty changes at the insertions.

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Nondesctructive Inspection (NDI) of Additively Manufactured Parts

National Institute of Standards & Technology(2/26/14 - 4/30/16)

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Nondesctructive Inspection (NDI) of Additively Manufactured Parts

Sponsor: National Institute of Standards & Technology

Start Date: 2/26/14

End Date: 4/30/16

Abstract

In this project, technical guidance will be provided in the nondestructive inspection (NDI) of additively manufactured (AM) parts. Before further acceptance of additive manufacturing (AM) as a viable manufacturing process, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need to know that parts made by the process can be successfully inspected. This is especially true for OEMs in the aerospace and medical industries. The goal of the project will be to identify NDI techniques that can be used to successfully inspect AM components produced by laser sintering of titanium and/or Inconel powders. Issues associated with part finish, post processing (such as heat treating), geometry and characteristics of the AM material will be investigated during execution of the project. Guidance will be provided on the impact of these and other features on the inspectability and the material response of parts produced by the AM process. Appropriate inspection details will be identified that test the limits of commonly available and advanced inspection methods.

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