Optic fiber-based dynamic pressure sensor for WIM system

An optic fiber-based dynamic pressure sensor is described here to measure weight-in-motion of vehicles. In the research reported herein, a Michelson interferometer with specially designed hardware and software were developed and experimentally subjected to dynamic compressive loads of different magnitudes, and loading rates. Experiments showed that both output fringe number and fringe period could be used to indicate the dynamic load. A calibration technique has been put forward to calibrate the sensor. Both the dynamic weight and static weight of the vehicle passed can be obtained. The findings that resulted from these studies developed an understanding for the behavior of interferometer sensor under dynamic compressive states of stress and are fundamental to the application of fiber optic sensors for the monitoring of truck vehicle weights while in motion.