Venymäantureita

Venymäantureita, commonly known as strain gauges, are sensors used to measure mechanical strain on an object. Strain is the deformation of a material in response to an applied force. These sensors work on the principle that the electrical resistance of a conductor changes when it is stretched or compressed. A typical strain gauge consists of a thin, flexible backing material with a metallic foil pattern bonded to it. This foil pattern is essentially a resistive wire laid out in a grid-like structure.

When the object to which the strain gauge is attached deforms, the foil pattern also deforms, changing its length and cross-sectional area. According to the formula for resistance, R = ρL/A, where R is resistance, ρ is resistivity, L is length, and A is cross-sectional area, these changes in L and A will alter the electrical resistance of the foil. By measuring this change in resistance, the strain on the object can be precisely determined.

Strain gauges are typically connected to a Wheatstone bridge circuit, which is highly sensitive to small changes in resistance. The output of the Wheatstone bridge is then amplified and processed to provide a direct reading of strain or to be used in a control system. They are widely used in various applications, including structural health monitoring of bridges and buildings, stress analysis in automotive and aerospace industries, medical devices, and research laboratories to understand material behavior under load. Their small size, accuracy, and versatility make them indispensable tools for measuring physical deformation.