Experiment 1: Strain Gauge Measurement

Objective:

This laboratory exercise is used to investigate the characteristics of strain gauges. A strain

gauge is a device whose electrical resistance varies in proportion to the amount of strain in the

device. The most widely used gauge is the bonded metallic strain gauge. Strain gauges can be a

vital tool in determining the loads, stresses, and strains of structures. Upon successful completion

of the experiment you should be able:

1. To become acquainted with applying strain gauges and their use in measurements.

2. To perform a static calibration of a cantilevered beam for use as a force transducer.

3. To identify the relationship between the displacement at the end of a beam and the strain

at the gauge location to allow for a correlation between displacement and strain.