Fiber Bragg grating based quasi-distributed bolt force sensor with torque resistance. (31st May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Yongxing; Hu, Zhao; Xiong, Li; Zhou, Xinglin; Zhu, Pan
• Is Part Of: Measurement. Volume 195(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05-31
• Subjects: Quasi-distributed measurement -- Torsional resistance -- Force sensor; Weights and measures -- Periodicals; Measurement -- Periodicals; Measurement; Weights and measures; Periodicals; 530.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2022.111063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2241

Abstract

Highlights: A novel FBG-based quasi-distributed force sensor is designed for bolt force state measurement. A micro-bearing-based torque-resistant structural allows the sensor to have a low torque response. A temperature compensation unit is installed to address the problem of cross-sensitivity of strain and temperature. The sensor has excellent performance for long bolts with non-uniform strain distribution and the presence of torque. Abstract: Accurate measurement of bolt force condition is essential for safe operation of industrial infrastructures. We propose a novel bolt force sensor based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) with features of quasi-distributed sensing and anti-torque interference. The sensor consists of three strain measurement units and a temperature compensation unit, and a miniature bearing-based anti-torsion structure is applied to the strain measurement unit to make it immune to torque. The manufactured sensor was embedded into the bolt to obtain a smart bolt with capabilities of strain and temperature sensing, and relevant performance tests were carried out. Experimental results showed that the sensitivities of the sensor are 5.564 pm/KN, 6.405 pm/KN, 6.777 pm/KN in the measurement range of 25 KN, respectively. Moreover, the sensor has good quasi-distributed measurement capability, and performs well in terms of creep and torque resistance. In practice, the number of measurement units can be selected as required.