Investigation the possibilities for implementation of fiber optic detection of damaged rails

Broken rails can cause train accidents with potential loss of life, injury or property damage. Using fiber-optic sensors it can improve train safety by detecting flaws in rails and wheels. The optical sensors are based upon light signal transmission through sensitive optical fibers that are firmly attached to the rails with epoxy glue. The fiber optic could be implemented to sense the railroad track condition change such as the weight of a passing train or the strain created by a cracked, broken or buckled rail.