Strain gauges are essential devices for measuring deformation and stress in various engineering applications.
A strain gauge is a sensor used to measure mechanical strain—the deformation of a material when subjected to stress. It usually consists of a thin metallic foil bonded to a backing material, which is attached to the surface of the object being measured. When the object stretches or compresses, the foil’s electrical resistance changes. This change can be measured and converted into strain values, providing precise information about stress, load, or deformation.
Strain gauges are widely used in structural engineering, aerospace, automotive, robotics, medical devices, and materials science. Modern designs often include self-temperature compensation or modulus compensation to maintain accuracy under changing thermal conditions.
A strain gauge is a device that measures the strain or deformation of an object by detecting the changes in electrical resistance that occur as the object is subjected to stress.
The most common type of strain gauge consists of a long, thin wire or strip of metal (usually made of copper, nickel, or aluminum) that is bonded to the surface of the object being measured. When the object is subjected to stress, it deforms slightly, causing the wire or strip to stretch or compress. This change in length causes a change in the electrical resistance of the wire or strip, which can be measured using an electrical circuit.
The strain gauge is typically connected to a Wheatstone bridge circuit, which consists of four resistors arranged in a diamond shape. The strain gauge is placed in one arm of the bridge, while the other three arms consist of fixed resistors. When a voltage is applied to the bridge, the resistance of the strain gauge changes, causing an imbalance in the bridge circuit. This imbalance produces a voltage output that is proportional to the strain being measured. By measuring the voltage output from the Wheatstone bridge circuit, it is possible to calculate the strain on the object. Strain gauges are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including structural engineering, aerospace engineering, and materials testing.
Advanced gauges today may use ultra-thin polyimide carriers, laser-trimmed grids, and improved adhesives to reduce signal drift, improve stability, and ensure long-term reliability. Custom designs can accommodate unusual shapes, resistance values, or temperature ratings, making them suitable for specialised research, prototype testing, and extreme environments.
Strain gauges have a wide range of applications in various fields, some of the common applications are:
Yes. StrainSense offers gauges designed for high temperatures, cryogenic conditions, high vacuum systems, nuclear research, turbine blades, and exhaust systems. These use ceramic carriers, welded terminals, and high-temperature alloys to maintain stability where conventional gauges would fail.
Absolutely. StrainSense can manufacture gauges with non-standard shapes, bespoke resistance values, specialised adhesives, and custom lead lengths or connectors. This flexibility is ideal for research projects, prototypes, and applications where standard gauges cannot meet the technical requirements.
Yes. We provide comprehensive guidance covering gauge selection, surface preparation, bonding and curing techniques, environmental protection, and calibration methods. These resources ensure engineers achieve maximum measurement accuracy, signal stability, and repeatable results.
