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Fiber optic stress sensor for structural joints

  • US 5,250,802 A
  • Filed: 11/04/1991
  • Issued: 10/05/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/04/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for monitoring the structural integrity of a joint between a first substantially rigid structural member and a second substantially rigid structural member, said first structural member having a first surface and said second structural member having a second surface substantially parallel to said first surface, said joint having an adhesive between said surfaces for joining said structural members, comprising the steps of:

  • disposing a portion of an optical fiber between said surfaces and embedded in said adhesive, said fiber not penetrating said surfaces, said fiber having an end;

    injecting an optical signal into said end of said optical fiber;

    detecting a reflection of said optical signal at said end of said fiber, said reflection having a transit time; and

    providing a strain detection signal in response to said detection of said reflection.

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