Benchmark Dataset: Optical Fiber Strain Measurements in High Strain-Gradient Configurations

This dataset supports the 2026 study "Assessing Reliability of cm-Scale Optical Fiber Strain Sensing in High Gradient Configurations through Benchmarking and Mechanical Modelling" (DOI:10.58286/32456). It contains the experimental and processed data used to evaluate centimeter-scale optical-fiber strain sensing under steep spatial strain gradients. The benchmark directly compares distributed and quasi-distributed strain monitoring techniques—specifically Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG-WDM), Continuous Fiber Gratings (CFG-FMCW), and Optical Frequency-Domain Reflectometry (OFDR)—against finite-element method (FEM) predictions. The data was collected using a 2 mm-thick aluminium test plate designed with three off-center circular holes, which was subjected to progressive quasi-static axial loading (up to 2360 N) to generate intense, localized stress concentrations. This dataset provides researchers with highly controlled measurements of localized stress concentrations. It is particularly valuable for assessing signal processing algorithms (such as peak-detection for distorted spectra) and testing the limits of distributed structural health monitoring (SHM) systems under high-gradient conditions. For more information, read ReadMe.pdf file attached