A LOW-COST FIBRE-OPTIC SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE STATE OF STRUCTURAL HEALTH OF A MECHANICAL CABLE

Methods for evaluating the structural health of mechanical cables and detecting their imminent failure could prevent the loss of valuable equipment and, more importantly, the possible loss of human life. The non-destructive test methods available are: thorough visual examination and measurement of the external diameter; X- rays; (induced) wave propagation; acoustic emission; magnetostrictive sensors; infrared detection. A new method which employs a commercial optical fibre for detecting the breakage of individual wires in a rope is proposed in the paper.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Ocean Engng, v 23 n 2, Feb 1996, p 193 [7 p, 15 ref, 3 fig]
• Authors:
  • Cortazar, D
  • Larrondo, H A
• Publication Date: 1996

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cables; Fiber optics; Monitoring; Structural health monitoring; Structures
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00727547
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 1 1996 12:00AM