Systems, methods and tools for the interrogation of composite strength members

A system configured for the detection of a defect in an elongate fiber-reinforced composite strength member, comprising:

• a fiber-reinforced composite strength member, the strength member comprising at least a first strength element, the first strength element comprising:
• a binding matrix;
• a plurality of reinforcing fibers operatively disposed within the binding matrix to form a fiber-reinforced composite;
• at least a first optical fiber embedded within the fiber-reinforced composite and extending from a first end of the fiber-reinforced composite to a second end of the fiber-reinforced composite, the first end and the second end each comprising a smooth and planar surface, the first optical fiber having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the optical fiber does not extend beyond the first end of the fiber-reinforced composite and the second end of the optical fiber does not extend beyond the second end of the fiber-reinforced composite;
• and
• a light transmitting device operatively connected to a first end of the strength member, the light transmitting device comprising a light-emitting diode that is operatively connected to a power source and that is configured to transmit incoherent light having a wavelength of at least about 300 nm and not greater than about 1700 nm into the first end of the first optical fiber;
• and
• a light detecting device operatively connected to a second end of the strength member, the light detecting device comprising a light detector that is configured to detect the light emitted by the light-emitting diode through the second end of the first optical fiber.