How does a strain gauge sensor work?

The working principle of the strain sensor is based on the strain effect of the material, that is, the object will deform when it is subjected to force or pressure. Strain refers to the change in unit length or unit area of ​​an object, usually expressed as strain rate, which is the ratio of strain to initial length or initial area. The working principle of the strain gauge sensor can be divided into steps such as selecting appropriate materials, preparing sensing elements, installing sensing elements, strain measurement, electrical signal output, and signal processing and display. Strain sensors are widely used in industrial, aerospace, automotive, building structures, and medical fields.

The operating system for this tutorial: Windows 10 system, DELL G3 computer.

Strain sensor is a common physical quantity measurement sensor used to measure the strain or deformation of an object. It converts the strain of the object into electrical signal output based on the strain characteristics of the material. The working principle of the strain gauge sensor will be introduced in detail below.

The working principle of the strain gauge sensor is based on the strain effect of the material, that is, the object will deform when subjected to force or pressure. Strain refers to the change in unit length or unit area of ​​an object, usually expressed as strain rate (Strain), which is the ratio of strain to initial length or initial area.

Strain sensors are usually made of metal materials, such as metal films, metal sheets or metal wires. These metal materials have good elastic properties and can elastically deform when subjected to external forces.

The working principle of the strain gauge sensor can be divided into the following steps:

1. Select the appropriate material: According to the characteristics and measurement range of the object to be measured, select the appropriate metal material as The sensing element of the sensor. Commonly used materials include chromium-nickel alloy, aluminum, steel, etc.

2. Preparation of sensing element: Prepare the selected metal material into appropriate shape and size. Common shapes include films, sheets or meshes. The geometry and size of the sensing element affect the sensitivity and measurement range of the sensor.

3. Install the sensing element: Fix the sensing element on the surface or structure of the object to be measured. It is usually fixed using adhesives or welding. Make sure the sensing element is in close contact with the object so that strain can be accurately sensed.

4. Strain measurement: When an object is acted upon by an external force, the sensing element will undergo strain. These strains cause small changes in the geometry of the sensing element. Strain gauge sensors calculate the strain of an object by measuring these tiny changes.

5. Electrical signal output: The strain of the sensing element will cause changes in its electrical characteristics such as resistance, capacitance or inductance. Strain gauge sensors measure changes in these electrical properties and convert them into electrical signal outputs. The most common is to convert strain into a change in resistance, thus implementing a resistive strain gauge.

6. Signal processing and display: The electrical signal output of the strain gauge sensor is usually small and needs to be processed by signal amplification, filtering and conditioning for subsequent data collection, analysis and display. Common signal processing methods include analog signal amplification, digital signal processing, and microprocessor control.

The accuracy and sensitivity of a strain gauge sensor depend on several factors, including the material properties, geometry, size and installation method of the sensing element. In addition, temperature also has an impact on the strain characteristics of metallic materials, so temperature compensation needs to be considered in applications.

Strain gauge sensors are widely used in industrial, aerospace, automotive, building structures and medical fields. It can measure physical quantities such as strain, force, pressure, weight and deformation of objects, helping to achieve real-time monitoring, control and safety protection.

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