Application · Aerospace & Defense

Aerospace & Defense Strain Measurement Solutions

Accurate strain data is vital to understanding how aircraft, spacecraft, defense systems, propulsion systems, and critical components perform under real-world loads and operating conditions. Micro-Measurements delivers precision strain measurement solutions for these demanding applications, combining strain gages and sensors with instrumentation, software, and application expertise.

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From development to in-service

Strain measurement across development, testing, and operation

Micro-Measurements supports aerospace and defense engineers with strain gages, sensors, instrumentation, and software for static and dynamic testing, fatigue evaluation, structural load measurement, and in-service monitoring.

These solutions help engineers validate designs and materials, identify stress concentrations, and assess structural performance across commercial and military aviation, spacecraft and launch systems, propulsion, and defense platforms.

From material testing to flight validation ↓

Instrumented airframe structural test article

Key applications

Measurement solutions built around your application

Aerospace and defense applications differ significantly in materials, temperature, loading, test duration, and data requirements. Here's where Micro-Measurements sensing capabilities are put to work.

Aircraft Structural Testing & Flight Validation

Measure structural response throughout development, certification, and operation of commercial and military aircraft.

Wing and fuselage structural testing
Landing gear and critical component validation
Static, dynamic, and in-flight load measurement
Cargo load analysis
In-service structural monitoring

Engine & Propulsion Testing

Measure mechanical and thermal strain in jet, turbine, and rocket propulsion systems exposed to high temperatures, vibration, and changing loads.

Jet engine and turbine development
Rocket propulsion testing
High-temperature strain measurement
Component validation and failure investigation

Materials & Durability Testing

Characterize materials and evaluate structural performance under static, cyclic, and long-duration loading.

Metals and composite material testing
Composite structures and bonded assemblies
Fatigue life and durability evaluation
Stress concentration and load distribution analysis
Repeated-cycle testing under representative conditions

Spacecraft & Launch Systems

Evaluate the structural response of spacecraft and launch systems to mechanical and thermal loads during development, qualification, and operation.

Spacecraft structural qualification
Satellite load and structural monitoring
Launch vehicle development
Ground qualification testing
Thermal stress analysis

Defense & Military Systems Testing

Beyond aircraft applications, strain measurement supports structural testing, load analysis, and qualification across missile, naval, ground, and autonomous military systems.

Missile structures and thrust systems
Naval systems and submarines
Ground vehicle testing
Robotic and autonomous systems
Proof-of-concept and qualification testing

Structural and thermal strain data supports every stage of launch vehicle development and qualification.

Why Micro-Measurements

Why aerospace & defense engineers choose Micro-Measurements

Aerospace and defense measurement expertise

Decades of experience supporting structural and materials validation, propulsion testing, flight testing, and military-system evaluation.

Solutions for demanding conditions

Measurement options for high temperatures, cryogenic environments, vibration, dynamic loading, and extended test programs.

Broad range of standard solutions

An extensive portfolio of strain gages, sensors, instrumentation, and installation products supports varied aerospace and defense measurement requirements.

Custom engineering capabilities

Custom strain gages, sensing solutions, and integrated assemblies can be developed for specific measurement, geometry, integration, or environmental requirements.

Products & capabilities

Match the measurement solution to the application

Aerospace and defense applications can differ significantly in materials, temperature, loading, test duration, and data requirements. Micro-Measurements offers standard and custom solutions that can be configured around those conditions.

Strain Gages & Sensors

Select from stress analysis strain gages and rosette configurations, high-temperature strain gages, weldable and cryogenic solutions, and Transducer Class® strain gages. Custom strain gages and sensing solutions are also available, along with space-qualified and military-grade options for specialized requirements.

Installation & Environmental Protection

Adhesives, coatings, lead wires, cables, and installation accessories help ensure accurate strain transfer and protect installed gages under the environmental and operating conditions of the application. Gage and Flex Assembly combines Transducer Class® strain gages with a custom flexible printed circuit (FPC), simplifying integration and improving reliability, with optional bonding and installation services.

Instrumentation & Software

Micro-Measurements instrumentation supports static and dynamic testing, multi-channel measurement, and vibration and transient events, with software to match.

Application Engineering & Custom Solutions

When standard products don't meet the measurement, geometry, or environmental requirements, Micro-Measurements engineers can help define the sensing, installation, and instrumentation approach — or develop a custom strain gage or sensing solution.

Get strain data you can trust, wherever it's measured

From material testing and structural validation to flight testing, qualification, and in-service monitoring — our solutions help engineers obtain reliable data to validate performance and assess structural integrity.

We sense where it matters.

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