Buckling conditions for a dual-coated optical fiber

Abstract

The elastic stability (buckling) condition for a short dual-coated optical-fiber experiencing mechanical and/or thermally induced compression is established based on the developed analytical (mathematical) predictive model. The problem is reduced to a situation when a cantilever beam of finite length is supported by a continuous elastic foundation and is subjected to a compressive force applied to the beam's free end. Easy-to-use practical guidelines and a simple diagram are suggested for choosing the adequate length of the fiber and/or its flexural rigidity and/or the characteristics of the coating materials, so that the fiber remains elastically stable. The developed model can be used also in the design and reliability evaluations of composites, including nano-composites, and in flexible (large area) photonics when high-modulus and lowexpansion fibers are embedded into a high-modulus-and-low-expansion matrix and experience axial compression at low temperature conditions.