Sensor apparatus for detecting and monitoring a crack propagating through a structure
US8664585B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M5/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor apparatus is provided for detecting and monitoring a crack propagating through a structure. The sensor apparatus comprises: light source apparatus; detector structure; and a plurality of optical fibers having proximal and distal ends. The fibers may be spaced apart from one another and associated with the structure such that as a crack propagates through the structure, one or more of the optical fibers is broken by the crack. The optical fibers may receive light at the fiber proximal ends and the optical fibers may have a coating on the fiber distal ends capable of causing light to be returned toward the fiber proximal ends.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.