Abstract: A cable composed of material capable of conducting light, sound, or electricity is inserted by appropriate means into a material to be examined. A portion of said cable having predetermined parameters is fixed internally within the material. The cable is equipped with anchors that restrict movement within the material to be examined. Displacement or deformation of the material to be examined results in displacement and deformation of the sensor cable system. The anchors preferably concentrate stress or deformation at specific points of the cable as the cable deforms. The anchors may also allow movement of the cable such that displacement and deformation of the cable within the material is reduced.