Introduction

This set up provides a study of the stain gauge and its application for measurement of strain. It uses
uses cantilever to produce strain on strain gauges. The strain gauges are cemented on the cantilever
at the point where the strain is to be measured. Strain developed changes the resistance of strain
gauge which is detected by half bridge configuration.

Technical specification

Strain gauge (350) : 2 nos.

Gauge factor : 2:1

Cantilever material : cast iron

Cantilever width : 10 mm

Cantilever thickness : 2 mm

Cantilever length : mm

Bridge voltage : 10 V DC

Bridge configuration : half bridge

Functional description of the block

1. Cantilever

One end of the cantilever is fixed while the other is free to move. Force is applied on
free end which causes bending of the cantilever and strain is produced on the fixed
end. Two strain gauges are pasted on the fixed end to measure the strain. One strain
gauge is pasted above the cantilever and other one is pasted below the cantilever.

2. Strain gauge bridge

Two strain gauges are connected in the two arms of the Wheatstone bridge and two
resistances are connected in other two arms. +10 V DC is used to excite the bridge
and output is taken from the remaining arm. When there is no force applied strain
developed is zero. Whenever force is applied, strain developed at fixed end causes
resistance of strain gauge to vary which disturbs the balanced condition of bridge
and output is produced which is given to the Data Acquisition System (DAQ) and
displayed on computer with the help of LabView.

3. Data Acquisition System (DAQ)

4. LabView
 Theory

Strain gauge:

If a metal conductor is stretched or compressed, its resistance changes on account of

the fact that both the length and diameter of the conductor change. There is also a
change in the value of resistivity of the conductor when it is strained and this property
is called piezoresistive effect. This is the principle of strain gauge. Strain gauge is a
device the electrical resistance of which varies in proportion to the amount of strain in
the device. The most widely used gauge is the bonded metallic strain gauge.
A strain gauge of length L, area A, and diameter D when unstrained has resistance
=R(p L)/ A
When a gauge is subjected to positive strain, its length increases while its area of
cross section decreases, resistance of gauge increases with positive strain.

Gauge factor (k)

R
= R


For this strain gauge k=2.
3
=
2 3
Where,
t= thickness of cantilever beam= 2 mm
x= distance of strain gauge from where the force applied=360
y= maximum displacement of cantilever beam
l= length of cantilever beam.
For output voltage,

0 =
4
Where,
0= output voltage
G = gain of amplifier = 1000
=input voltage
= sensitivity of strain gauge= 2.085

Experiment no.1

Objective:
Study of strain measurement using strain gauges and cantilever beam on static
assembly.
Procedure:
1. Mount the cantilever beam in static setup.
2. Connect data acquisition system to computer.
3. Open LabView software.
 4. Connect Wheatstone bridge network to DAQ.
5. Apply some force at free end of the beam and then release it. Beam will start
vibrating now measure the strain developed on beam on computer.
6. Note down the reading (Graph, Excel sheet).

Experiment no.2

Objective:
Study of strain measurement using strain gauges and cantilever beam on dynamic
assembly.
Procedure:
1. Mount the cantilever beam in dynamic setup.
2. Connect data acquisition system to computer.
3. Open LabView software.
4. Connect Wheatstone bridge network to DAQ.
5. Start the motor and increase speed gradually.
6. Note down the reading (Graph, Excel sheet).

Observation table :-

Displacement of Output Voltage in mm in mV Strain in

cantilever beam in mm
1
2
3
4
5