Effects of tranverse sensitivity of electrical resistance starin gauges on stain measurement
Abstract
Measurement of strain, as accurately as possible
at critical points on any machine part or other such
engineering structural part is a very important aspect of
determining the quality of the design concerned. For
this purpose, the most widely used appliance in these
days is undoubtedly the electrical resistance strain
gauge. This is because of the small size, ease of
fixing to the structure, and the wide variety of electronic
appliances available for interpreting the small outputs
sensed. Unfortunately, there are a few errors in the
readings of these gauges like that due to the test
temperature variation, transverse sensitivity of the
gauge itself, fatigue effects etc.
In this thesis, the transverse sensitivity
correction factors and their determination; quicker
and easier methods for calculating data for sketching
the concerned Mohr's circles and calculation of stresses
and strains there of; variation of the correction
factor when used on different materials; different
gauge configurations that are amenable to easier
calculations of corrected readings are some of the
main topics examined in detail both theoretically and
experimentally. Experimental confirmation of the main
theoretical suggestions is the main contribution of this
thesis. It is essentially aimed at providing 1) the
novice with up to date information on the topic and 2) the
design engineer with results which he can use with more
confidence.
Citation
A thesis submitted in fulfilment for the degree of Master of Science in the University of NairobiPublisher
Mechanical Engineering, University of Nairobi