FBG Sensing Technology for Vehicle Structural Health Monitoring in Defense Industry

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a critical aspect of ensuring the operational readiness and safety of military vehicles. The ability to detect and diagnose structural damage early is essential in preventing catastrophic failures and ensuring operational availability. Fiber grating sensing technology is a reliable and accurate means of monitoring the structural health of military vehicles. In this article, we will discuss the principles of fiber grating sensing, the challenges in military vehicle SHM, the problems that can be solved by fiber grating sensing technology, and how Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd. can  support the vehicle structural health monitoring in defense industry.

Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle:

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are periodic structures that are inscribed in the core of an optical fiber. These structures reflect a specific wavelength of light that is determined by the periodicity of the grating. When the grating is subjected to mechanical or thermal strain, the reflected wavelength changes in a predictable manner. By monitoring the reflected wavelength, changes in strain, temperature, and other parameters can be detected. FBG sensors can be used to monitor a wide range of parameters, including strain, stress, temperature, and vibration.

Click the link below for more details:

Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle - FBG Principle - FBG Sensor Principle - FBG Temperature Strain Stress Vibration Shape Sensing Principle

Challenges in Structural Health Monitoring of Military Vehicles in the Defense Industry:

Military vehicles operate in harsh and unpredictable environments, which makes SHM challenging. The dynamic loads and extreme temperatures that military vehicles experience can cause damage to the structure that is difficult to detect. Additionally, the large size of military vehicles makes it difficult to monitor the entire structure with traditional sensors. Conventional sensors are also prone to failure due to the harsh operating conditions. Therefore, there is a need for a reliable and accurate means of monitoring the structural health of military vehicles.

Physical Diagram of OFSCN® High-Range Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Strain Sensor (Strain Gauge) - Single-ended, Length 1m­­

Physical Diagram of OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Single-ended FBG Strain Sensor/FBG Strain Gauge­­

What Problems Can be Solved by FBG Sensing Technology:

Fiber grating sensing technology provides several advantages over conventional sensing methods in military vehicle SHM. First, FBG sensors are highly sensitive and can detect small changes in strain and temperature. This makes it possible to detect damage in the early stages before it becomes critical. Second, FBG sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them ideal for use in high-electromagnetic interference environments. Third, FBG sensors are small and lightweight, which makes them easy to install and integrate into existing structures. Finally, FBG sensors are reliable and can operate in harsh environments without requiring frequent maintenance.

Recommended fiber grating strain sensors:

1500με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - Metal Encapsulation - High Temperature FBG Strain Sensor

The product is a fiber Bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) encapsulated in seamless steel tube, used for strain measurement. In most cases, it is a single-point single-ended structure, or it can be produced as a multi-point single-ended structure. In a few cases, it can also be a double-ended structure. The deployment method of the product depends on the supporting fixtures, which can be directly inserted into the test object, or installed by surface welding with corresponding fixtures, bolted with drilled holes for fixation, adhesive surface mounting, tied with straps for fixation, or fixed with clamps, among various installation methods. This product is a basic structural product, which can be calibrated as a FBG displacement sensor, or used as a FBG stress sensor.

Product Summary:

The OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor (FBG strain gauge) is composed of fiber optic connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), stainless steel seamless tubes, and single-point FBG encapsulation.

It can also be customized as a high-temperature resistant fiber Bragg grating strain sensor.

This product features a small size, lightweight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof, moisture-proof, and fully sealed characteristics. By utilizing the strain characteristics of the FBG, this sensor can be inserted, clamped, surface-mounted, glued, or embedded into the measured structure to perform strain detection and monitoring.

6000με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - polymer material packaging - metal protection strain sensor - range 6000με/8000με

This product is a high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) used for strain measurement. It can be used in a single-ended structure, where it is inserted into the object to be measured for strain measurement. It can also be used in a double-ended structure, where it is fixed with a fixture or bonded directly to the surface for strain measurement, enabling multi-point strain measurement when connected in series. The structure of this product is the same as that of fiber bragg grating stress sensors.

Product Overview:

The OFSCN® high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) consists of fiber connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), high elastic materials, and single-point FBG encapsulation. Depending on the materials used, it can work at room temperature or a maximum high temperature of 120 degrees Celsius (customizable upon request).

This product is characterized by its small size, light weight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof and moisture-proof properties, and full sealing. By utilizing the strain characteristics of FBG, this sensor can be inserted, welded, bonded, or adhered to the internal or surface of the test structure for strain detection and monitoring.

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.:

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS) is a professional manufacturer of fiber grating sensors, fiber grating demodulators and system software. Specializing in the production of various fiber grating sensors, including temperature, strain, stress, displacement, vibration, shape sensors, etc. DCYS also produces fiber grating demodulators, and can customize and develop related application software.

Recommended fiber grating demodulator:

Fiber Bragg Grating Demodulator - Fiber Optic Grating Interrogator - High-Speed/Frequency FBG Analyzer

This product is produced by DCYS, and it is a high-speed high-frequency fiber Bragg grating demodulator(Interrogator). The fiber grating demodulator is compatible with various specifications and models of OFSCN® fiber bragg grating sensors (temperature, strain, stress FBG sensors, etc.). It features adjustable port density (4, 8, 12, 16 channels) and high-speed high-refresh rate capabilities.

DCYS Supports Vehicle Structural Health Monitoring in Defense Industry:

DCYS can help the defense industry to solve some of the challenges in military vehicle SHM by providing high-quality fiber grating sensors and related solutions.

大成永盛光纤光栅传感监测系统框图

Other Points Need to Be Clarified:

Fiber grating sensing technology is a reliable and accurate means of monitoring the structural health of military vehicles. It provides several advantages over conventional sensing methods, including high sensitivity, immunity to electromagnetic interference, small size and weight, and reliability. Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd. can help the defense industry to solve some of the challenges in military vehicle SHM by providing high-quality fiber grating sensors and related solutions. With the adoption of fiber grating sensing technology, military vehicles can operate with increased safety and operational readiness.

Related Articles