DEFORMATION MONITORING OF AN ELASTOMER USING FIBER-OPTIC STRAIN RATE SENSOR

摘要

We verified the applicability of the new fiber-optic sensor to deformation monitoring of the seal equipped with an air cushion vehicle such as a surface effect ship (SES). The seal is a membrane structure made of an elastomeric material. It is difficult to measure deformation or vibration of the membrane structures by using a sensor fixed on it. When we use an electrical strain gage or an acceleration pickup, the stiffness of the sensor itself and the influence of its mass would frequently cause any problems. In this study, we developed a new fiber-optic sensor with meandering shape to detect a strain rate derived from a fiber deformation, which is adequate to large deformable materials. In simulation test with small model of the seal, vibration and deformation of seal can be monitored by this new fiber-optic sensor, and the results of measurement coincides with to the visual observation of variety in accordance with test condition.