Strain Gauge Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Strain Gauge - Lab Report Example Effect of Temperature Variations on the ResultsAn increase in temperature would cause the object to undergo thermal expansion hence increase in size. Resultantly, the change in size will be detected by the gauge as strain with its resistance and that of the connecting wires changing. However, the constantan alloys that make up the gauges are made in such a way that they counter resistance changes that are recorded due to thermal expansion. It is upon the person carrying out the experiment to select the best alloy for the object being experimented on because thermal expansion varies among various materials.ErrorsThe zero Offset – after connecting the strain gauge to the source of force, a zero offset would occur if the impedance of the four arms of the gauge are different. However, this can be rectified when one uses a resistor that is parallel to one of the arms. Temperature Coefficient of Gauge Factor is an error that occurs due to effects of temperature on the recorded strai n. As discussed earlier, changes in temperature would cause changes in the size of the object hence this change would in turn be recorded as strain. To correct this, a fixed resistance should be introduced at the input pole with voltage minimizing temperature sensitivity. Linearity error occurs when the sensitivity of the value of strain is affected by pressure in a function of thickness and quality of bonding. Overloading error may also occur if the strain gauge is loaded with weights it is not designated to accommodate.