Elastomeric optical fiber sensors and method for detecting and measuring events occurring in elastic materials

Patent · Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:869660

Muhs, Jeffrey D ^[1]; Capps, Gary J ^[2]; Smith, David B ^[3]; White, Clifford P ^[2]

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1. Lenoir City, TN
2. Knoxville, TN
3. Oak Ridge, TN

Fiber optic sensing means for the detection and measurement of events such as dynamic loadings imposed upon elastic materials including cementitious materials, elastomers, and animal body components and/or the attrition of such elastic materials are provided. One or more optical fibers each having a deformable core and cladding formed of an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber are embedded in the elastic material. Changes in light transmission through any of the optical fibers due the deformation of the optical fiber by the application of dynamic loads such as compression, tension, or bending loadings imposed on the elastic material or by the attrition of the elastic material such as by cracking, deterioration, aggregate break-up, and muscle, tendon, or organ atrophy provide a measurement of the dynamic loadings and attrition. The fiber optic sensors can be embedded in elastomers subject to dynamic loadings and attrition such as commonly used automobiles and in shoes for determining the amount and frequency of the dynamic loadings and the extent of attrition. The fiber optic sensors are also useable in cementitious material for determining the maturation thereof.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN
• Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. (Oak Ridge, TN)
• Patent Number(s): US 5374821
• OSTI ID: 869660
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/250/73/
aggregate
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animal
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atrophy
attrition
automobiles
bending
break-up
cementitious
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changes
cladding
commonly
components
compression
core
cracking
deformable
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detecting
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determining
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extent
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frequency
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including
including cementitious
light
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loadings
loads
material
materials
materials including
maturation
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method
muscle
occurring
optic
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optical fibers
organ
provide
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rubber
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shoes
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useable