Load meter employing birefringence to measure mechanical loads and stresses

Abstract From the Canadian patent

This invention discloses a mechanical stress measurement system which utilizes a, birefringent coating and spectral demodulation to determine the magnitude and angular, orientation of the stresses in a mechanical element from which the loads acting on that, mechanical element are calculated. The invention provides for the measurement of, Torque, Axial and Bending loads in a shaft whether they exist singularly or , in, combination without the requirement for electrical mechanical or physical , contact with, the shaft and is able to determine the magnitude and sense of the torque and axial loads, and the magnitude and plane of the bending load.