Strain test of metalwork using FBG and FEA

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have attracted a lot of interest for the past few years, and there were number of studies on the use of FEA to forecast and calculate the strain of metalwork. This paper describes the strain test of Aluminum suspension beam used in CRH railway vehicle with FBG and FEA. Strain distribution of the steelwork is predicted through Finite element analysis and fatigue test. FBG sensor and resistance strain gauges are set on the corresponding location of the beam, which is determined by strain cloud with FEA. Gradually increasing loads is added on the beam by hydraulic drive screw. Strain values of the beam can be caught by different sensors when load is stabilized. Then the load added on the steelwork is changed from 0KN to 50 KN and back to OKN, meanwhile the values of strain are recorded respectively. Results of FBG sensors and resistance strain gauges are compared with FEA calculated value. Mesh refinement and local mesh controls are used for optimization of FEA model.