<title>Curvature measurements</title>

Abstract

New developments are reported regarding the fiberoptic curvature gauge proposed recently. Advantages in measuring curvature, rather than strain, are presented. In contrast to direct sensor of strain where reliable structural strain transmission onto the sensor must be assured, the curvature gauge is unaffected by mechanical properties of intermediate objects such as the cushioning effect of the fiber protective coating, adhesives, resin, etc. Furthermore, curvatures can be measured anywhere in the structure's cross section, including along the neutral axis where there is no strain in bending. This simplifies the process of embedding sensor and the interpretation of the signals obtained. Curvature measurements are particularly suitable for thinner structures where extreme resolution in measuring strain would be required.