Application of fiber Bragg gratings for strain measurement in historic textiles and paintings on canvas

The aim of this work was to evaluate the applicability of optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors to the monitoring of deformation in historical textiles and paintings on canvas. Fibers with a ceramic coating were selected for strain investigation in textiles due to both their almost perfect strain transfer and much shorter relaxation times compared to fibers with an acrylate coating. FBG sensors were attached to fabrics in a non-destructive manner using specially designed magnetic clamps. Local strain measurements using these sensors were consistent with general strains measured using either a universal testing machine (UTM) or a laser triangulator when varying external load or relative humidity. However, strain magnitudes measured by the different methods were comparable only after correction for the influence of the fiber on the textile under study. Strain measurements in model paintings on canvas were carried out using uncoated fibers embedded in the gesso layers on the canvas. Despite some drawbacks, the FBG sensors were found to be useful in monitoring strain in historic textiles and consequently, for the assessment of environmental risk of these works-of-art.