Application of Strain Gauges in Experimental Testing of Mechanical Structures

Abstract

The paper deals with application of strain gauges in the field of experimental testing of mechanical structures. The basic construction of strain gauge and its principle of work from the aspect of measurement of strain of tested object are analysed. The way of connection in Wheatstone bridges is considered and the advantages and disadvantages of certain solutions are discussed. The methods of indirect determination of other mechanical quantities, such as forces, moments, etc., are analysed. Special attention is paid to the construction and operation principle of converters which are based on the strain gauges. In the end, practical examples realized within the Laboratory of Railway Vehicles Centre at the Faculty of Mechanical and Civil Engineering in Kraljevo, are exposed. The known fact that strain gauges will for a long time represent the leading sensors in the field of measuring technique, is confirmed.