Strain gauges are a type of sensor that measure mechanical deformations under various conditions, often relating to stress, strain or force. This is usually achieved by converting these mechanical deformations into electrical signals, which can then be easily read and interpreted. The primary function of a strain gauge is to measure the elongation or compression caused by external forces on an object. Thus, they play a critical role in areas of stress analysis, quality control, and materials & structure testing.
Strain gauges can be used in a wide range of specific applications, depending on the particular needs of different fields. For example, in the realm of civil engineering, they aid in verifying the structural integrity of buildings and bridges. In the aerospace industry, they assist in stress analysis of aircraft components. Noteworthy manufacturers of strain gauges include Vishay Precision Group, HBM Test and Measurement, and Omega Engineering. Each strain gauge possesses certain unique characteristics such as sensitivity, stability, and accuracy, which determine their aptness for particular uses. Always observe safety precautions while using strain gauges to avoid damaging the sensor or the test specimen.