Articles

March 3, 2016
From the Secret Formula Vault
The “Solution” for Cleaning the “Super Metal” Titanium The Challenge Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. Demand for its use in...
February 18, 2016
Manganin Pressure Gages
QUESTION: What are manganin gages? ANSWER:   Manganin gages are composed of a thin metal foil grid laminated to a plastic insulator (backing). In many ways they resemble strain gages. In...
February 10, 2016
Validation and Design Optimization of a Reclaimer Screw System
Grain, stock feed, and other materials have long been stored in silos. During filling, storage, or use, however, these materials might not be evenly distributed, creating side and vertical forces...
January 26, 2016
Strain Gage Sensors Always Keep Your Glass Half Full, Never Half Empty
Bonding Strain Gage Sensors to Glass or Similar Non-Porous Surfaces The application of bonded foil strain gage sensors to glass can be problematic due to the smooth surface and the fact that...
January 19, 2016
Validation of Suspension Link Loads
In Formula SAE, reducing a car’s weight and having sufficient stiffness are major factors when trying to rise above the competition at events. In previous years for the Cal Poly Racing Formula...
January 13, 2016
Strain Gage Sensors for More Electric Aircraft (MEA) and Fly-by-Wire (FBW): From the Drawing Board to Reality
“Sit back, relax, and enjoy a smooth and safe flight.” From the drawing board to reality, commercial and military aircraft manufacturers are replacing older hydraulic and pneumatic...
January 6, 2016
Exercise Improves Performance
Athletes over the world know the value of “working up a sweat” to enhance performance. In the world of precision strain measurement, “sweating the details” also enhances...
December 28, 2015
Strain Gage Testing on a Desert Island
Strain gage testing need not be left in the hands of “outside consultants;” it is easily accomplished with some training and a properly equipped lab (or work space). Micro-Measurements...
December 15, 2015
Strain Gages Can’t Measure Stress . . . or Can They?
Practically every mechanical engineer knows that when properly installed, strain gages provide information that helps determine surface strains. Many are also familiar with the calculating power of...
December 7, 2015
What is common between cantilever structures, Galileo Galilei and strain gages?
Examples of cantilever structures can be found all around us. These structures are simple, relatively efficient, and easy to analyze. Houses, bridges, airplanes, traffic lights, anything which needs...