Strain gage(gauge) sensitivity - measure 1 microstrain or less

Strain gages are extremely sensitive sensors - they can respond to the smallest changes in dimensions of components. The ability to measure these changes is limited by the stability and resolution of the strain measuring instruments - The greater the stability and resolution , the smaller the strain that can be detected and measured. The prime requirement for this is very high quality straingage applied with the best straingage installation accessories, adhesives and bonding methods described in instruction bulletins such as those available from MIcro-Measurements.
To resolve strain to small fractions of a microstrain and display them without error is an important requirement of critical strain gage applications such as transducer manufacturers , aerospace and defense applications.

[@eduardoatemdecarvalho5891]

Very well done! The first time I’ve seem this kind of technique!

[@DynatecIndia]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. The straingage performed as I had wanted, the model P3 showed excellent stability and repeatability, so I could demonstrate the high sensitivity possible with a straingage. I have checked the Model P3 and this same gage for over 40 hours of continuous operation, and the zero balance and full load readings repeated exactly every time. Just thought of letting you know. Regards, Vijay ([e-mail])

[@eduardoatemdecarvalho5891]

@@DynatecIndia what is the limit factor? 10? Have you ever tried greater figures?

[@DynatecIndia]

The instrument which I used, Model P3 of Vishay Micro Measurements, is specified to operate with a gage factor setting from 0.5 to 9.5.
I already stretched it by setting the gage factor to 0.212. It still worked.
Perhaps there will be instruments with greater sensitivity, and then maybe the limit can be stretched, but I do not have access to such an instrument. I feel that since the straingage output is purely analog, with resolution nearing infinity, the limit factor is the sensitivity of the read-out instrument. It is indeed necessary to use a very high quality straingage, the best adhesives and accessories, and follow the straingage installation process strictly. All the items used in my experiment were the products supplied by Vishay Micro Measurements of USA. Best regards, Vijay ( [e-mail])

[@eduardoatemdecarvalho5891]

@@DynatecIndia thank you for sharing your thoughts! I have the same P3 boxes, but it never occurred to me this kind of usage. Brilliant!

[@DynatecIndia]

@@eduardoatemdecarvalho5891 , I could show this experiment with confidence because of the nice way the gages, accessories and the instrument performed.
Thank you for your kind comments. Vijay

[@BrandonBaunach]

Can you use a strain gauge to sense something that sensitive in a wearable product that can be affordable mass manufactured or do you need high sensitive machinery to rly sense it

[@DynatecIndia]

The strain gage by itself is a very sensitive sensor that gives an output for extremely small change in the dimensions of a part (so small that it is invisible to the eye), and which cannot be measured by any other common measurement tools. However the output of the straingage is also very small, less than 1 microvolt in the above example. In order to measure this output accurately, you need a very sensitive instrument, which is expensive.
Please send me details of your application at [e-mail], about the wearable part, so I can advise further, about affordable manufacture.