Temperature-compensating strain gages -a practical experiment for student training

The article describes the measurement system formed by a UGR 60 Multipoint Measuring Unit linked to a PC and explains the theoretical principles of the resistance changes in the strain gage.

Strain-gage output signals which are solely produced by thermal effects are examined in a students' practical session. Strain gages with temperature responses matched to steel, aluminum and epoxy resin are bonded to these three materials and the output signals measured for correct and incorrect matching.

The high quality of the temperature compensation obtained by correct matching is impressively demonstrated. The article describes the measurement system formed by a UGR 60 Multipoint Measuring Unit linked to a PC and explains the theoretical principles of the resistance changes in the strain gage.