초록 ▼

A system and method for evaluating flexible structures such as textiles under load generally. A specific embodiment is shown for parachutes. A plurality of first sensors and second sensors are attached to the parachute on its canopy and suspension lines. Preferred first sensors are fiber Bragg grati

A system and method for evaluating flexible structures such as textiles under load generally. A specific embodiment is shown for parachutes. A plurality of first sensors and second sensors are attached to the parachute on its canopy and suspension lines. Preferred first sensors are fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) type sensors, and preferred second sensors are modal power distribution (MPD) type sensors. A fiber optic network interconnects the pluralities of first and second sensors to provide sensor outputs which are converted to electronic signals, modulated and transmitted to a receiving station for receiving and processing the transmitted modulated electronic signals. The preferred fiber optic network includes a plurality of light emitting diodes positioned at one end of each fibers and a photodiode array positioned to receive light from each of the fibers. The transmitter acquires the output as data, processes and RF modulates the signal to enhance the signal to noise ratio and prepares it for wireless transmission. The signal may be recorded or read-out before modulation. The preferred receiving station demodulates the received signal enhances the output signal before read-out or recording.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for evaluating parachutes under load, comprising:a parachute including a canopy, a plurality of suspension lines attached thereto at one end and a load attached to said suspension lines at the other end therof,a plurality of first sensors attached to said canop

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for evaluating parachutes under load, comprising:a parachute including a canopy, a plurality of suspension lines attached thereto at one end and a load attached to said suspension lines at the other end therof,a plurality of first sensors attached to said canopy and said suspension lines for measuring localized axial strain and stress measurements;a plurality of second sensors attached to said canopy and said suspension lines for transverse stress measurements and as integration of axial stress/strain measurements for large areas;a fiber optic network interconnecting said pluralities of first and second sensors to provide sensor outputs;a transmitter for receiving said sensor outputs, converting said outputs to electronic signals, modulating said electronic signals and transmitting said modulated electronic signals; anda receiving station for receiving and processing said transmitted modulated electronic signals.The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of first sensors are fiber bragg gratings (FBG) type sensors.