A fibre optic distributed sensor system for condition monitoring of synthetic ropes

We propose a condition monitoring system for long synthetic ropes based on acoustic detection of yarn breakage and monitoring strain and temperature using an array of fibre gratings distributed along the rope length. Optical time domain reflectometry will be used to locate yarn breakage and provide positional information on the strain/temperature distribution. We have demonstrated the physical sensing principles in laboratory tests. This form of quasi-distributed sensor may also be suitable for monitoring other structures such as buildings, industrial process plant and bridges