In this comprehensive, hands-on Workshop, participants make several complete strain gage (strain gauge) installations, including electrical connections, check-out, and environmental protection; and use appropriate readout instrumentation to verify results of their own installations.

A wide range of strain measuring instrumentation is described in detail, and guidelines for proper instrument selection and usage are thoroughly reviewed. Participants have an opportunity to examine and familiarize themselves with all instruments on display. In the instrumentation portion of the program, some electrical circuitry is discussed. Familiarity with Ohm's law, series and parallel circuits, and the Wheatstone bridge is helpful.

Topics include: 

Strain Gage (Strain Gauge) Characteristics

• Temperature Compensation
• Sensing Alloys
• Transverse Sensitivity
• Strain Limits
• Fatigue Endurance

Installation Techniques

• Surface Preparation
• Adhesive Selection
• Gage Installation Procedures and Check-Out
• Leadwire Attachment
• Protective Coatings

Gage Installations with Epoxy, Epoxy-Phenolic, and Cyanoacrylate Adhesives

• Room-Temperature Installation
• Handling Heat-Curing Adhesives
• Clamping Techniques
• Leadwire Attachment
• Protective Coatings
• Measuring Strain Level

Special Gage Installation Techniques for Measurement Over Wide Temperature Ranges

• Gage Selection
• Gage Performance Characteristics
• Temperature Effects
• Leadwire Selection and Attachment
• Protective Coating Systems

Temperature Measurement Techniques

• Foil Temperature Sensors
• Cryogenic Environments
• Linearizing Networks

Strain Gage (Strain Gauge) Circuitry

• Quarter, Half and Full Bridges
• Leadwire Compensation

Bridge Excitation

• Power Levels
• Self-Heating

Static Measurements

• Strain Indicator Characteristics
• Multi-Channel and Computer-Based Systems

Dynamic Measurements

• Signal Conditioning
• Frequency Response
• Readout Instrumentation

Noise Reduction

• Shielding
• Grounding
• Leadwire Considerations

Calibration Techniques

Discussion of Specific Problems as Requested by Participants