Does anyone here know of the availability of linear optical sensors that can measure from the side?
I am using LVDTs to measure vertical displacement as installed concrete anchors are loaded to tensile failure. Unfortunately, "failure" sometimes means a massive energy release that causes damage to the LVDT and it's fixture. I'm trying to avoid this issue by possibly measuring displacement using an optical system that I can set far aside (say, a foot or two) from the failing anchor.
I've heard hushed talk of wide-beam laser systems that can do this, but I can't seem to run across a company/distributor for them. Anyone have any recommendations?
And I'm running a DAQ VI with LabView 7.0 Express Full. So I'd prefer if the sensor wasn
't a self-contained system, i.e., I could incorporate it into my current LabView based set-up.
Thanks in advance...
-dan
dharmon@strongtie.com