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FBG strain sensor

The fiber optic Strain Sensor FBGS-01 is a long base strain gauge which measures tension or compression between two fixed points. It is based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology. The standard gauge length can be chosen between 250 mm and 2 meters. The sensor has connectors on both ends and can be used alone or in series as a part of an FBG sensor array. Installation and cabling for such arrays is much less expensive and less cumbersome than comparable electronic gauge networks.

The Strain Sensor FBGS-01 is the fiber optic equivalent of an electrical strain gauge and can be mounted directly on the surface of a structure by means of an adhesive. The sensor is supplied with two aluminum L-brackets and fasteners which facilitate a mounting on a structure. In this way, the fiber sensor makes direct contact with the surface and therefore accurately measures the strain at the surface.

The Strain Sensor FBGS-01 features high accuracy and resolution, and immunity to electric sparks and EMI/RFI. It is suitable for remote sensing and it is possible to install it kilometers away from the measurement unit. It is protected against complete, continuous submersion in water guaranteeing IP68 protection.

Features

Immune to all electromagnetic effects and safe operation in harsh environments
Sensors can be placed in series and hereby reducing the cabling to a minimum
Monitoring compression as well as tension
Multiple km signal integrity
Direct attachment of the sensors to the surface(s) to be monitored
High strength FBG, implying high strain levels and excellent fatigue resistance
High sensitivity
Fast, simple and repeatable installation
Self-referenced
Zero power
Long-term reliability
Large scale integration
Intrinsically safe design

Applications

The fiber optic Strain Sensor FBGS-01 can be used to measure strain changes on the surface of material (due to tension, compression and bending) of metallic or composite structures. This allows for the continuous structural health monitoring of structures, crack and fissure formation in (concrete) walls, monitoring of bridges, dams, buildings, tunnels, ships, trains, and other complex structures etc. Electrical power is not necessary on-site, an interrogator can be placed tens of kilometers away.

Civil engineering structures
Large concrete and metallic components
Nuclear power plants and experiments
Chemical and Petrochemical Industry
Oil and Gas Industry
Laboratories & Universities

Specifications

Sensor length	0.250 m up to 2 m / other on request
Strain range	-0.5 % shortening and +1 % elongation
Strain sensitivity	1.2 pm/με
Operating temperature	-20 °C up to +60 °C
Central wavelength	1510 to 1590 nm, 810-860
Connector type	FC/APC (standard)
Pigtail length	1.0 m (standard)
Anchor material	Aluminum
Cross sensitivity	10 pm/ºC
Protection class	IP68