This research investigated the use of fiber optics bonded to rail for detection of rail breaks, rail bucking, and train location and speed. The findings indicate that fiber-optic sensors can detect rail break and rail buckling events, as well as the presence and speed of trains. Two types of fiber-optic sensors, point sensors and distributed sensors, and two types of detection systems, a continuous-wave system and a pulsed optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) system, were investigated. Laboratory testing and field results indicate that the point sensor and continuous-wave system will provide the most sensitivity to train presence and speed detection. The fiber-optic point sensors that were developed have also been demonstrated in the lab for other applications such as weight-in-motion and the detection of flat spots on rail car wheels. A fiber installation cart was developed that automates the fiber placement and bonding process on the rail.
Fiber Optical Sensors for High-Speed Rail Applications
2003
46 pages
Report
No indication
English
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