BULK-BIREFRINGENCE SENSOR BASED MULTIAXIAL BALANCE SYSTEMS

The objective of the proposed research is to develop a multi-axial balance, based on measurement of bulk-birefringence that develops in selected structural members as result of forces and moments applied. The proposed concept will make possible a balance design that is inherently more rigid, since it operates at a considerably lower stress level than existing strain-gage transducers. As a result, the following advantages will be obtained: - SMALL DEFORMATIONS - REDUCED CROSS-TALK - HIGH SPEED OF RESPONSE - HIGH NATURAL FREQUENCY The bulk-birefringence readout is contactless, required no sensor cementing or wire soldering attachments. Instead, fiber-optic cables will be used to transmit the signal to the readout system for remote measurement of individual force components. As part of the propsed effort, a prototype will be designed and produced. An experimental evaluation will be carried out to quantify the merits of the proposed innovation and to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of the proposed concept.