Latest

February 25, 2016
Protect and Serve
The US Army is not an equipment manufacturer. Its purpose is to protect our freedom. Outside vendors manufacture and supply the equipment, electronics and materials required to maintain freedom....
February 23, 2016
In Search of the “Perfect” Zero
Whenever you encounter instability or “drift” in your strain gage readings, the first place to investigate is your instrumentation. This can be done easily by removing the strain gage...
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...
February 4, 2016
Crystal Formation
When using M-Bond AE-10 Bulk,  if crystals form inside the top of the resin bottle, they can be re-liquefied by warming the bottle to about +50°C (+120°F) for 20 minutes. Be sure to let...
February 2, 2016
Another Option for Hostile Environments
Simplify lead wire connection using Option W. This option provides full encapsulation and thin, printed circuit terminals at the tab end of the gage. Beryllium copper jumpers connect the terminals to...
January 28, 2016
Silicone Hazards
Experienced strain gage users are aware that certain types of silicones can wreak havoc in strain gage bonding. Silicone grease, aerosol spray containing silicones, hand creams containing silicone,...
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 21, 2016
Self Temperature Compensation
Selecting the right self temperature compensation (STC) value helps reduce temperature sensitivity of the transducer by matching the strain gage sensor to the spring element material. In the part...
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...