Strain gauges

Strain gauges are electrical sensors used to measure mechanical deformation. They consist of a thin metal or plastic strip applied to a carrier film. When the strip is stretched or compressed, its length changes and so does its electrical resistance.

The change in resistance can be measured and is proportional to the change in length of the strip. The measurement is usually made using a bridge circuit that compares the resistance of the strain gauge with a reference resistance. The bridge is powered by a current source and the voltage difference at the two outputs of the bridge is measured.

The use of strain gauges is widespread in measurement technology and is used in many applications such as measuring stress and strain on mechanical components such as bridges, cranes, machinery, aircraft or in construction. Strain gages are also used in biomechanics, materials testing and many other areas of engineering.

There are several types of strain gages, varying in size, shape, material and sensitivity. Important factors when selecting strain gages are measurement ranges, sensitivity and temperature dependence. Depending on the application and measurement task, different strain gages may be required.
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