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Strain Gauge: A strain gauge is a sensor that changes its electrical resistance in response to mechanical strain or deformation. When subjected to tension or compression, the strain gauge experiences a change in length, which results in a proportional change in resistance.
Wheatstone Bridge Configuration: A Wheatstone bridge is a circuit configuration consisting of four resistive arms, typically arranged as a bridge or diamond shape. In strain gauge measurements, one of the arms contains the strain gauge whose resistance changes with strain.
Balanced Condition: In its balanced condition, the Wheatstone bridge has equal voltage potentials at its output terminals. This condition is achieved when the ratio of resistances in one diagonal of the bridge is equal to the ratio in the other diagonal.
Application of Excitation Voltage: A constant voltage, known as the excitation voltage, is applied across the bridge circuit. This voltage typically ranges from a few millivolts to a few volts, depending on the strain gauge’s specifications.
Measurement of Output Voltage: When the strain gauge experiences mechanical strain, its resistance changes, causing an imbalance in the Wheatstone bridge. As a result, a voltage difference, known as the output voltage or bridge output, appears across the bridge’s output terminals.
Amplification and Signal Conditioning: The output voltage from the Wheatstone bridge is typically very small, often in the millivolt range. To obtain a measurable signal, it may be amplified and conditioned using instrumentation amplifiers or signal conditioning circuits.
Measurement and Analysis: The amplified and conditioned output voltage is measured using data acquisition systems, digital multimeters, or other measurement devices. This voltage is then related to the applied strain using calibration factors specific to the strain gauge and the application.
Advantages: The Wheatstone bridge configuration offers several advantages for strain gauge measurements, including high sensitivity, good linearity, and the ability to nullify external temperature effects when properly balanced.