To integrate polymer fiber based physical layer for avionic data network, it is necessary to understand the impact and cause of harsh environments on polymer fiber optic components and harnesses. Since temperature and vibration have a significant influence, we investigate the variation in optical transmittance and monitor the endurance of different types of connector and splices under extreme aircraft environments. Presently, there is no specific aerospace standard for the application of polymer fiber and components in the aircraft data network. Therefore, in the paper we examine and define the thermal cycling and vibration measurement set up and methods to evaluate the performance capability of the physical layer of the data network. Some of the interesting results observed during the measurements are also presented.

Date Published: 5 September 2014
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 9202, Photonics Applications for Aviation, Aerospace, Commercial, and Harsh Environments V, 92020I (5 September 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2061767

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9202:
Photonics Applications for Aviation, Aerospace, Commercial, and Harsh Environments V
Alex A. Kazemi; Bernard C. Kress; Edgar A. Mendoza, Editor(s)