A method for detecting cracks in a carbon fiber bicycle frame using an
embedded optical fiber is provided. Optical time-domain reflectometry is
employed to detect cracks in a bicycle frame made of carbon fibers
intertwining with a single-mode optical fiber. The single-mode optical
fiber is thus embedded into the bicycle frame and consolidated with the
carbon fibers during a manufacturing process of the bicycle frame.
Integration of the single-mode optical fiber, which has a small diameter,
low cost and lightweight, into the bicycle frame adds little to a
production cost and weight of the bicycle frame. The optical fiber
consolidated within the bicycle frame can be connected with an optical
time-domain reflectometer for efficiently detecting twists or cracks of
the carbon fibers in the bicycle frame, both as a quality check in the
manufacturing process and as a safety check after the bicycle frame has
been used for some time.