Wide Range Strain Indicator Units

In summary: If you look up "strain gage" and "gauge factor" you'll probably find lots of information.In summary, during the final project in lab, a Wide Range Strain Indicator was used with strain gages on a machined part to function as a scale. The numbers displayed on the Indicator are unitless and represent strain, with a range of +/- 19,999 units and a resolution of 1 microstrain at any gauge factor. The numbers are not arbitrary and are calculated based on the change in length compared to the original length. The meter measures and compares electrical resistances and the gauge factor must be set correctly to convert the resistance change into strain measurements. Additional information can be found by researching "strain gage"
  • #1
sean882
10
0
In lab for our final project, we used a Wide Range Strain Indicator connected to strain gages on a part we machined to function as a scale. The Indicator device was much like this one: http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheet/vishay/3800.pdf

What units would the numbers be that we're getting? They ranged from 12 for a light weight, to 1070 for a relatively heavier weight.

I understand because it's strain that the numbers may be unitless... but, where are these numbers coming from? Do they mean anything besides just being arbitrary numbers?

Thanks,
-Sean
 
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  • #2
On page 2 it says "Range and display +/- 19,999 units" and "Resolution 1 microstrain at any gauge factor..."

So I would take it that if you have set the gauge factor correctly, "15" means "15 microstrain", or a strain of 15 x 10^-6.

I understand because it's strain that the numbers may be unitless... but, where are these numbers coming from? Do they mean anything besides just being arbitrary numbers?
Strain doesn't have "units" like mass or length measurements do, but the numbers are not "arbitrary". Strain = change in length / original length. In practice, strains are often small numbers, and writing them as microstrains is easier than keeping track of all the zeros after the decimal point.

Of course your meter is really measuring and comparing electrical resistances, not strains, so you have to tell it the "gauge factor" which converts the change of resistance into the strain measurements.
 

1. What is a Wide Range Strain Indicator Unit?

A Wide Range Strain Indicator Unit is a device used to measure the strain or deformation of a material under stress. It typically consists of a sensor, a display, and a power source, and can be attached to a variety of materials to measure their response to applied forces.

2. How does a Wide Range Strain Indicator Unit work?

A Wide Range Strain Indicator Unit works by converting the strain or deformation of a material into an electrical signal, which is then displayed on the unit's screen. The sensor in the unit is designed to detect changes in the material's length, width, or thickness, and the display provides numerical readings or visual indicators of the level of strain.

3. What types of materials can be measured with a Wide Range Strain Indicator Unit?

A Wide Range Strain Indicator Unit can be used to measure the strain of a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. It can also be used to measure the strain of structures such as buildings, bridges, and pipelines.

4. What are some common applications of Wide Range Strain Indicator Units?

Wide Range Strain Indicator Units are commonly used in engineering, construction, and materials testing to ensure the safety and quality of structures and products. They can also be used in research and development to study the behavior of materials under different conditions and to improve their performance.

5. Are there any limitations to using Wide Range Strain Indicator Units?

While Wide Range Strain Indicator Units are useful tools for measuring strain, they do have some limitations. They may not be suitable for measuring very large or very small strains, and they may not be accurate in extreme temperatures or harsh environments. It's important to carefully select the right unit for the specific application and to regularly calibrate it for accurate readings.

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