University develops optical fiber which prevents rail accidents
A team from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University revealed yesterday the first details of a monitoring program of a 36 km stretch of high-speed rail line. The program is being developed for seven years and has on the basis of a series of special optical fiber sensors. The system detected "vibrations" on 30 occasions, allowing timely rectification of emerging problems which could cause rail accidents.The system uses Fiber Bragg gratings-special reflectors built in optical fiber cables that reflect, at any time, only certain wavelengths of light. When incorporated in any course or mechanical component of the train, the wavelengths change according to the stresses, deformations and temperature changes. The control measurements, these bars can be used to identify anomalies and potentially dangerous conditions, such as excessive vibration and mechanical failure.In the seven years following the installation, the system recorded more than 10 million measurements along the train line linking Hong Kong to China. Of the 10 million, only 30 are believed to have been out of the ordinary. However, in some cases these were the first emerging danger warnings.As the system is optical, electromagnetic interference of railway power lines is not a problem. In addition, it saves the train operating company €185 thousand (R $ 554 million) a year in maintenance.According to Gizmag, the system is now being installed throughout the suburban routes from Hong Kong â€" this will be followed by Singapore and Australia.Photo: under Creative Commons licenseÂ
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