Monitoring device for detecting stress strain and method for using same

A monitoring device for detecting stress and strain in a structure, said monitoring device comprising a base material, one or more attachment points for attaching said monitoring device to said structure, a detection zone, a strain gauge applied to said detection zone for detecting the presence of stress and strain in said detection zone;

• the surface of said detection zone comprising a continuous substantially crack-free surface, said strain gauge comprising a wire or an optical fiber that changes in length when strain is applied to allow for detection of said strain through measuring a change in electrical resistance through said wire or a change in optical resistance through said optical fiber;
• said base material and the dimensions of said monitoring device chosen so that a predetermined level of strain transmitted to said monitoring device by said structure through said attachment points results in a known level of stress and strain in said detection zone.

A monitoring device for detecting vibration or shock loads in a structure, said monitoring device comprising a base material, a free end, a fixed end with one or more attachment points for attaching said monitoring device to said structure, a detection zone located between said fixed end and said free end, and a means for detecting the presence of stress and strain in said detection zone;

• the surface of said detection zone comprising a continuous substantially crack-free surface, said base material and the dimensions of said monitoring device chosen so that a predetermined level of vibration transmitted to said monitoring device by said structure through said attachment points results in plastic deformation in said detection zone.