A low-cost fiber-optic system for monitoring the state of structural health of a mechanical cable

Methods for evaluating the structural health of mechanical cables and detecting their imminent failure could prevent the loss of valuable equipment and, more importantly, the possible loss of human life. The non-destructive test methods available are: thorough visual examination and measurement of the external diameter; X-rays; (induced) wave propagation; acoustic emission; magnetostrictive sensors; infrared detection. A new method which employs a commercial optical fiber for detecting the breakage of individual wires in a rope is proposed in the present paper.