Strain gauges can be embedded in fibre composites

Fibre composite materials are widely used because of their excellent material properties. But precise load data is required for optimally designing these components. Conventional strain gauges are usually unsuitable for this work because the high strain capability of fibre composite materials means they often reach or exceed their limits.

HBM's latest integrated strain gauges are installed during manufacture by fixing them to the material using matrix resin. This allows the strain gauges to be fitted in areas that are inaccessible once the components are fitted, thereby ensuring very accurate component stress measurements.

Handling the strain gauges is easy and forms part of the production process. The contact pins are installed vertically on the strain gauge and provide contact through the fibre composite material's layers. Measurement cables do not need to be run inside the material.

For components subject to bending, the strain gauge can be embedded at different levels; the deeper the strain gauge is in the material, the smaller the measured strain.

Examples of enhanced applications for HBM's latest strain gauges include: flow profile measurements without affecting the fluid flow; monitoring force flow between joining spots of structural glued joints; and measurement on complex structures at locations that are difficult to access.

For more information, visit www.hbm.com/straingages.