Understanding the strain sensor (strain gauge/gage)—theoretical instructions (how they work)
The structural design of a strain sensor (different layers and materials)
Strain sensor selection for: metal, composites, aggregate materials including concrete and asphalt, plastics, wood, cryogenic and high temperature applications
Adhesive selection
Mechanical issues/strain sensor testing rigs (sensor factor determination, creep, fatigue)
Life expectancy (long-term stability, fatigue behavior, maximum strain, strain sensor failure)
Strain sensor performance data (transverse sensitivity, strain sensitivity, upper frequency limits, maximum strain)
Influential environmental conditions: extreme temperatures including cryogenic and high temperature applications, outdoor, elevated humidity, water exposure, high vacuum and space flight
Wheatstone bridge considerations
Solder and leadwire selection
Temperature compensation—STC explained
Use of a dummy sensor for thermal compensation
Weldable sensor selection and installation
Instrument selection considerations and sampling rate
Techniques for checking gage installation quality
Determination of unknown CTE using strain sensors
Printed circuit board testing
PhotoStress®
Two versus three leadwires
Excitation—grid self-heating, maximizing the signal, maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio
Shunt calibration—proper scaling of the instrument independent of excitation, gain settings, or leadwire resistance
Averaging—does the sensor size matter?
Which is the right resistance for my application?
Complementary sensors: displacement sensors and LVDTs, thermocouples and bondable temperature sensors (RDTs), load cells, torque and pressure transducers
Is my measurement static or dynamic? Instrument selection and sampling rate
Residual stress analysis by hole drilling method
Determination of maximum and minimum principal strain magnitude and direction using rosette strain sensors
Using strain sensors in experimental stress analysis to validate FEA
