What is the impact of bending and stretching of optical cables on transmission performance? How to reasonably design the bending radius and tensile strength of optical cables in practical applications to ensure their stability and reliability?

Bending and stretching of optical cables are common physical stresses in cable design and application, which have a significant impact on the transmission performance of optical cables. Below, we will discuss the effects of bending and stretching on optical cables, as well as how to reasonably design the bending radius and tensile strength of optical cables in practical applications.
The influence of bending on the transmission performance of optical cables
When the optical cable is bent, the optical signal transmission path inside the fiber will change, which may lead to effects such as attenuation, scattering, and mode coupling of the optical signal. These effects can increase the transmission loss of optical signals, reduce signal quality, and may even lead to signal interruption.
The influence of stretching on the transmission performance of optical cables
Tensile stress can alter the physical structure of optical cables, including the strain of the fiber and the relative position between the fiber and the cable sheath. Excessive stretching may cause fiber optic cable breakage or damage to the cable sheath, directly damaging the transmission capacity of the cable.
Reasonably design the bending radius and tensile strength of optical cables
Bending radius design:
When designing optical cables, it is necessary to determine a reasonable minimum bending radius based on the usage scenario and laying conditions of the cable. Generally speaking, the larger the bending radius, the less impact it has on the performance of optical cables.
For indoor optical cables, the recommended minimum bending radius is 10-20 times the outer diameter of the cable; For outdoor optical cables, the recommended minimum bending radius may be larger due to the need to consider more severe environmental conditions.
In actual construction, excessive bending of the optical cable should be avoided, especially near the joints and bending points of the optical cable, and sufficient bending radius should be left.
Tensile strength design:
The tensile strength design of optical cables should meet the maximum tensile stress requirements in the usage scenario. This requires consideration of the laying method, fixing method, and possible external forces that may affect the optical cable.
When selecting optical cable sheath materials, performance indicators such as tensile strength and elongation should be considered to ensure that the optical cable will not be damaged or broken when subjected to tension.
At the joints and connection points of the optical cable, reinforcement measures should be taken, such as using reinforcement cores or adding protective sleeves, to improve the tensile strength of the optical cable.
Precautions in practical applications
During the laying process of optical cables, the manufacturer's laying guidelines should be followed to avoid excessive bending and stretching.
At the joints and connection points of optical cables, dedicated connectors and fasteners should be used to ensure that the connections are firm, stable, and comply with relevant standards and specifications.
Regularly perform performance testing and maintenance on optical cables, promptly identify and address potential bending and stretching issues.
In summary, by designing the bending radius and tensile strength of optical cables reasonably, and paying attention to following relevant standards and specifications in practical applications, the stability and reliability of optical cables can be effectively guaranteed.