If you\’ve worked with sensors before which are often used as a tool for measurement you will have learned of the various ones available. This particular one measures the strain from outside pressure. Objects take stress and resist them and a strain gauge calculates the amount of distortion that is placed on the object by using electrical resistance.

The resistance this little sensor takes alters in conjunction with the stresses placed up on it. A fairly delicate looking item, most typically it will have a pattern resembling a grid created from metallic foil or even wire. When placed lengthwise these foil lines stretch the amount of wire or foil that measure the strain placed upon them.

To accurately provide the measurements needed, finding the best spot to evaluate them is necessary. While its main function is to measure the stress placed upon this sensor, it can also be sensitive to other external forces such as, temperature. To avoid inaccuracies placing it in a location that minimizes its exposure to changes in climate would be optimal. You can also acquire one that compensates with its composition, for temperature. Otherwise you will need to adjust the information accordingly.

A strain gauge rarely measures beyond a few millistrain, therefore it needs to be a faithful reading in the small changes that it senses. By using the forces of tension and compression you will have a much more detailed composite of the information needed.

Accuracy and exactitude are necessary in a properly functioning strain gauge. There are various types depending upon cost such as a quarter bridge, half bridge and full bridge. Typically the full bridge will provide the best level of information you can have provided.

There are different ways to measure the forces applied by external pressure with this sensor type. Shearing strain focuses on the angular stress on the object from pressures. The Poisson strain gathers the information on the thinning and stretching from outside pressures. As the wires or gauges lengthen and the width of the area that measures, diminishes the electrical resistance increases. Also measured is the bending strain which simply measures pressure and the amount of bend that the object takes. This is not the typical type of measurement that these sensors are utilized for, it is used when you need to evaluate something that will take an amount of torsion strain.

The strain gauge can measure distortion caused by various external elements that are provided by, pneumatic, optical, and electrical sources. There have been a variety of designs that included optical which is highly efficient however, not as popular in industrial applications due to its delicacy. One was named the extension meter which tended to be cumbersome and not very accurate, others were developed that were too sensitive to vibration and other external forces and then finally the popular metallic wire sensor we\’ve mainly discussed here.

Choosing the right sensor means you need to consider what applications you\’ll be using it for. What measurements you need it to provide for you, and whether or not it is sensitive to other forces such as temperature and if it is a stable gauge type. Providing the most accurate reading with the right equipment will take research and information on what you are measuring.

Author Bio: With over 30 years of experience in the instrumentation field, we offer expert solutions for any measuring problem such as pressure sensor, accelerometer, and strain gauge to name a few.

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