A method and apparatus for a structural monitoring device adapted to be locatable within a tubular structure

摘要

A structural monitoring device 1 is adapted to be locatable within a tubular structure such as an axle 30, the structural monitoring device comprises a plurality of supporting arms 10, which are preferably formed from a flexible material, and which may be in a cruciform configuration so that fibre optic strain gauge sensors 12 may monitor compressive or tensile forces along two axes of or across the axle 30. The arrangement is such that each supporting arm on its respective outer edge supports a respective fibre optic strain gauge parallel to an inner surface of a monitored tubular structure (eg axle 30). Adjustable clamping wedge portions 4a are included in the monitoring device to enable frictional engagement with the inner surface of the tubular structure.