In order to capture the BFS distribution along the backface of the bonded region (as shown by red line in Figure 6), an array of FBG sensors is well suited to this purpose. An array of 10 FBG sensors, as shown in Figure 6, was used in this case in order to sense BFS distribution.
A Schenck servo-hydraulic testing machine with a capacity of 250 kN was used to apply tensile pulsating load to the specimen. This fatigue test caused the crack nucleation and propagation parallel to the bondline. After every 1000 cycles, the test was stopped, the static measurements were recorded with the FBG sensors by swept laser interrogator, MicronOptics sm130-700 and an optical microscope was used to observe the crack position, analyzing images like that of Figure 2.