Minimize Strain Gage Errors: Tips & Solutions

[killersanta]

Homework Statement

What are the potential errors in measuring strain with strain gages? How can these
errors be minimized?

The Attempt at a Solution

In my class notes, I have the four Errors.

1-Gage mounting (glue thickness & flex)
Use a thin layer of glue and make sure the layer is smooth not bumpy.

2-Beam expansion with temperature
Allow Beam and Gage to get to room temperature before setting gage

3-Effect of temperature on Gage resistance
Shouldn't this be the same as number two?

4- Connecting wire lead resistance errors
by measuring the lead resistance and accounting for it in the strain calculations.

But in class, the teacher never went over how to minimize the errors. So I googled around a bit, couldn't really fine any help. So I was hoping someone that knew more than me, could fill me in. The writing in red is my guess at an answer.

Thank You

 

[NascentOxygen]

1. Use the manufacturer's recommended adhesive, I'd say, and apply as directed.

2 is concerned with physical expansion with temperature, 3 says the electrical characteristic of the gage conductor will inevitably change with temperature