Strain Gauge Applications

Strain gauges are used for many applications. They are often used within other sensors to measure the strain or stress.

Strain gauges are very small, very sensitive electrical devices. Their resistance differs with applied force. This means they can measure changes in force, pressure, weight and tension by giving a change in electrical resistance.

Strain Gauge applications

Aerospace Applications – strain gauges are bonded to load-bearing components within air crafts to measure any strain and stress which takes place within various areas during flight. Strain gauges can monitor the wing deflection or deformation during flight to ensure it is safe. They also monitor various on-board units and power supplies.

Rail applications – strain gauges can be bonded to the railway lines themselves to monitor and measure the stress the lines are under. The readings they produce can alert personnel if the railways become under too much stress or strain. This ensures the railway line stays safe to use and allows repairs and maintenance to be carried out before any visible signs of strain or stress show.

Use within Load Cells – strain gauges are used within load cells, the measure the strain and stress the load cell is under to determine weight and quantities. They can also be incorporated into other sensors including pressure transducers to help with pressure measuring.

Measuring stress on circuit boards – some very small strain gauges can measure stress on electric circuit boards and other confined spaces.

Residual Stress monitoring – this is a very broad term and can refer to monitoring stress in casting, welding and formation processes during manufacturing. This is a common application for strain gauges. They can also be used to monitor stress during high speed drilling applications.

Other applications;

• Testing ships hulls
• Vehicle testing applications
• Structural component testing
• Construction applications

Strain Gauge Characteristics

Strain gauges have the following characteristics.

• Resistant to temperature changes
• Easy to maintain
• Often have a long life
• Simple operating principle
• Water resistant

Strain gauges from Variohm

The strain gauges we offer come from our supplier Zemic. They are produced according to OIML R62 regulations and RoHS environmental directives. They are high precision and offer sophisticated stress analysis.

Browse our available strain gauges on our website. If you have an application and require assistance with your selection please contact us.