Strain Gauging

Strain Gauging | Geotechnical Instrument Testing Services

Strain Gauge Testing

A strain gauge measures strain on an object. CMR Tech uses state of the art strain gauging equipment The Quantum X MX1615 from HBM.

A strain gauge measures strain on an object.

The most common type of strain gauge consists of an insulating flexible backing which supports a metallic foil pattern.

The gauge is attached to the object and as the object is deformed, the foil is deformed, causing its electrical resistance to change.

This resistance change is measured using a Wheatstone bridge, and is related to the strain by the quantity known as the gauge factor.

CMR Tech uses state of the art strain gauging data acquisition equipment such as Quantum X MX1615 from HBM.

The MX1615 distinguishes itself with its 4-, 5- and 6-wire circuit-based patented technology, employing carrier frequency methods and cyclical auto-adjustment on all channels. All these features make the amplifier particularly rugged and insensitive to electromagnetic and thermal interference from converters, high currents, electric motors or temperature effects.

Furthermore, the amplifier can support applications involving distant measurement sites. Ethernet TCP/IP allows integration the MX1615 close to the measurement point to obtain the shortest possible sensor lines.

The amplifier is ideally suited for applications in experimental stress analysis.

Application areas for the MX1615 include:

  • Static load tests for the verification of FEM models
  • Quasi-dynamic fatigue tests for durability analyses
  • Monitoring tasks when combined with the QuantumX CX22W data recorder
  • Material testing and residual stress analysis
  • Road Load Data Acquisition (RLDA).
Strain gauge testing 1

Clem attaching strain gauges to an underground haul truck

Strain gauge testing 2

The logger used to collect the data from the gauges