Patent ID: 8336389
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: G01D,G01L,G01M

Abstract:
1. An optical fibre strain sensor array having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the array comprising: a plurality of sensor support panels spaced in the longitudinal direction and having a width in the transverse direction; at least one connecting member extending in the longitudinal direction and having a width in the transverse direction, the connecting member mechanically interconnecting the sensor support panels; an optical fibre supported by the sensor support panels and the connecting member, wherein the optical fibre extends with the connecting member between the sensor support panels and forms a curve on the sensor support panel, the curve including at least one portion of the optical fibre that extends in the transverse direction; and the width of the connecting member is substantially less than the width of the sensor support panels, whereby the connecting member is capable of flexure in the transverse direction; and wherein at least one sensor support panel comprises a temperature compensation device in the form of a housing surrounding the optical fibre and fixed to the optical fibre at each end of the housing, wherein the length of the optical fibre within the housing is greater than the distance between the ends of the housing.