FBG Sensing Technology for SHM of Civil Ships

The transportation industry is one of the key pillars of modern society, playing a critical role in the movement of goods and people across different locations. The industry covers different modes of transport, including road, rail, air, and water transport. Among these, water transport is an essential mode, and civil ships are the backbone of this transportation mode. The structural health of ships is a significant concern for shipowners and operators, as it can impact the safety of the crew, passengers, and cargo. In this article, we will discuss the problems that fiber grating sensing technology can solve, and how Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS ) can help to do structural health monitoring(SHM) of civil ships in the transportation 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.

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

Importance of SHM for Civil Ships:

Structural health monitoring is essential for civil ships to ensure their safe operation. The marine environment is harsh, and ships are subjected to various loads and stresses, which can lead to damage or fatigue in the hull structure. Without proper monitoring, such damage can go unnoticed and lead to catastrophic failure, posing a significant risk to the safety of the crew, passengers, and cargo. Structural health monitoring enables the early detection of such damage, allowing for timely repairs and maintenance to be carried out, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the ship.

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

Difficulties in SHM of Civil Ships in the Transportation Industry:

The structural health monitoring of civil ships presents several challenges in the transportation industry. One of the significant challenges is the harsh marine environment, which can impact the reliability and durability of sensing systems. The marine environment can cause corrosion, fouling, and damage to sensors, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability. Additionally, the large size of ships and the complexity of their structures can make it difficult to install sensors and collect data.

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

What Problems can be Solved by FBG Technology:

Fiber grating sensing technology can help to overcome some of the challenges associated with structural health monitoring of civil ships. FBG sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them suitable for use in the harsh marine environment. They are also small in size, making them easy to install and integrate into the ship's structure. FBG sensors can measure multiple physical parameters simultaneously, including temperature, strain, and pressure, enabling comprehensive monitoring of the ship's structural health. The use of FBG sensors can lead to improved safety, reduced maintenance costs, and increased operational efficiency of civil ships.

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 Helps to do SHM of Civil Ships

With years of experience in the fiber grating sensing industry, DCYS has established itself as a reliable partner in providing structural health monitoring solutions to the transportation industry. DCYS's expertise can help identify potential problems and provide timely solutions to ensure the safety and longevity of civil ships.

大成永盛光纤光栅传感监测系统框图

Other Points Need to Be Clarified:

In conclusion, fiber grating sensing technology has been proven to be an effective solution for structural health monitoring in the transportation industry, including civil ships. This technology can help detect and monitor various physical parameters, allowing for early identification of potential structural problems that can affect the safety and performance of these vessels. Despite the challenges faced in monitoring civil ships, fiber grating sensing technology offers a reliable and accurate solution to improve the safety and efficiency of these vessels. Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd. can provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of customers, helping to ensure the safe operation of civil ships in the transportation industry.

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