An analytical tool to investigate the arc fusion splicing of optical fibers is developed. The physical model incorporates heat transfer and thermal, visco elastic strain. The heat transfer equations governing radiation, conduction and convection during arc heating are formulated. The radiation heat flux impinging on the fiber optics is modeled based on reported experimental analysis of a generic type arc discharge. The fusion process considers deformation of the fiber due to thermal, viscous and elastic strain. A Maxwell stress-strain relationship is assumed. The model assumes an initial gap at the beginning of the arc which is closed by a press-stroke during the heating cycle. All physical properties of the fused silica glass fibers are considered as functions of temperature based on available experimental data. A computer algorithm has been developed to solve the system of governing equations and parametric studies carried out.

Date Published: 26 April 1989
PDF: 16 pages
Proc. SPIE 0992, Fiber Optics Reliability: Benign and Adverse Environments II, (26 April 1989); doi: 10.1117/12.960058

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0992:
Fiber Optics Reliability: Benign and Adverse Environments II
Roger A. Greenwell; Dilip K. Paul; Shekhar G. Wadekar, Editor(s)