SECTION 4-3

Strain, Force, Pressure and Flow Measurements

Walt Kester

Strain Gages

The most popular electrical elements used in force measurements include the resistance strain gage, the semiconductor strain gage, and piezoelectric transducers. The strain gage measures force indirectly by measuring the deflection it produces in a calibrated carrier. Pressure can be converted into a force using an appropriate transducer, and strain gage techniques can then be used to measure pressure. Flow rates can be measured using differential pressure measurements, which also make use of strain gage technology. These principles are summarized in Figure 4-22.

Figure 4.22 Strain gages are directly or indirectly the basis for a variety of physical measurements ...

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