Strain Gauge - Schematic

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MM312 Metal Forming Lab

Strain gauges Principle & construction

Measurement of strain Basic principle Electrical resistance of a wire varies directly in proportion to the strain Gauge Factor, GF gives the sensitivity of the strain gauge Copper-constantan wire

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MM312 Metal Forming Lab

Strain gauges Basics

Measurement by Wheatstone bridge circuit
At balanced (null strain) condition

On straining the gauge Rg changes Balance is disturbed

Change in Rg, Rg can be obtained from VOUT

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MM312 Metal Forming Lab

Strain gauge - Methods

To improve sensitivity of the set-up Half bridge circuit
Two active strain gauges (on adjacent arms) One in tension and other in compression
VOUT change is greater for same strain

Other 2 resistances from amplifier

Full bridge circuit

All four strain gauges are active 2 in tension & 2 in compression (on opposite arms)
VOUT change nearly double that of half bridge

Temperature compensation Full bridge circuit

Only two active strain gauges Other two passive gauges (but close by) Same changes in case there is any temperature change
Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MM312 Metal Forming Lab

Strain gauges Experimental set-up

TC1 TC2 P1 A P2 A2 Weight, W A1 Longitudinal strain top A2 Longitudinal strain bottom P1 Transverse strain top P2 Transverse strain bottom TC1 T compensation top TC2 T compensation bottom A1 P1 Full-bridge circuit Remove P1 & P2 A2 - Half-bridge

P2

~
Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MM312 Metal Forming Lab

Strain gauges - Experiment

Strains are measured in promiles 1 in 1000 1 %o, i.e., 0.1% Connect the circuit half or full bridge Balance the amplifier for null strain resistance & phase balance Use promile simulator to determine no. of divisions for 1 promile Apply weights Note deflection/readings on the meter Limit deflection up to ~ 1 promile
Never cross 2 promile strain Permanent damage to strain gauge

Plot a calibration chart between applied weight and strain Determine sensitivity of the set-up Weight required to cause 1 promile strain

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MM312 Metal Forming Lab

Strain gauges General remarks

Using A1 (longitudinal/axial strain) and P1 (lateral strain) Poissons ratio can be computed Increasing amplification only improves readability Does NOT improve sensitivity of the set-up Can be used for measuring displacement also
SG

Rigid clamp

Strain output correlated/calibrated against displacement

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MM312 Metal Forming Lab