Smart FBG Sensors

Fiber Bragg Grating (fiber optic) sensors are recorded within the core of a single mode optical fiber, just 9 microns in diameter. Together with the outer cladding and a protective polymer coating, these fiber sensors are truly miniature, generally just 0.15 or 0.25 mm in diameter.

For many strain sensing applications it is practical and appropriate to simply embed these "bare" fiber sensors within the structure under test or bond them directly to the surface.

For many other applications alternative sensor constructions are required, for instance to provide a more robust sensor, to provide a sensor with a more distributed strain response, or to offer measurement of other parameters such as temperature, pressure etc. Smart Fibres have developed a range of "Smart" FBG sensors to suit a multitude of applications.
	SmartPatch is a convenient, robust strain/temperature sensor supplied as a flexible FRP patch. Available singly or in arrays, SmartPatch is a reusable sensor suitable for bonding to the surface of a structure. Applications include yacht masts and hulls, wind turbine blades and FRP and concrete bridges.
	SmartWeld is a tough, weldable fiber optic strain sensor designed to be attached to bridges, offshore structures, buildings, cranes, construction, mining and other heavy machinery and structures that are prone to experience harsh environmental conditions. Available individually or as part of an array.
	SmartCell is a miniature transducer offering high accuracy pressure measurement with all of the added benefits of optical fiber sensing. Suitable for pressure or load monitoring in extremely hazardous environments. Applications include filament winding load monitoring and hydrogen tank pressure monitoring.
	SmartBridge is a fibre Bragg grating displacement sensor that is ideal for monitoring structural movements in one-axis, e.g. relative movement between concrete bridge deck panels, or crack growth monitoring in ancient monuments. SmartBridge is also an excellent transducer to form a long gauge length strain sensor to use, for example, as part of a ship hull stress monitoring system
	SmartBars are robust optical fiber strain sensors encased within a range of long gauge length steel packages to suit many applications. SmartBars are ideal for the measurement of internal tension, compression and loading of inhomogeneous materials such as concrete
	SmartTape is a strain/temperature sensor wherein the FBG is supplied within an unimpregrated glass mat. Also available in arrays and suitable for surface bonding with minimal intrusion, or for embedment within FRP composites. Applications include yacht masts, rotorblades, GRP building sections and filament wound CFRP pipes and containers.
	SmartRod is a robust sensor array in the form of a pultruded composite rod for the measurement of curvature, tension, torsion and compression. SmartRod can be attached to the surface of a structure or is particularly appropriate for embedment in concrete. Applications include tunnels and buildings, mooring cables and road pavements.
	SmartTemp is a temperature sensor available in several package styles, including a miniature package for embedding within composites, multi-sensor array, and a design based upon a FBG mounted on a strain isolated coupon for enhanced temperature sensitivity.