Patent ID: 8664585
Filing Date: 2014-03-04
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. A sensor apparatus for detecting and monitoring a crack propagating through a main structure comprising: light source apparatus; detector structure; and a plurality of optical fibers having proximal and distal ends, said fibers being spaced apart from one another and associated with the main structure such that as a crack propagates through the main structure, one or more of said optical fibers is broken by the crack, said optical fibers receiving light at said fiber proximal ends and said optical fibers having a coating on said fiber distal ends capable of causing light to be returned toward said fiber proximal ends, unbroken ones of said optical fibers returning light at a high intensity to said detector structure; wherein said detector structure comprises: sensor structure detecting returning light and generating detection signals; and a processing system coupled to said sensor structure for receiving and processing said detection signals, wherein said processing system generates an output signal which correlates a number of damaged fibers detected to a length of the crack.