The design of metal strain gauges on diaphragms

Abstract

Metal strain gauges need to be designed differently from strain gauges made from silicon. In this paper equations are derived that allow us to calculate the resistance change of metal strain gauges as a function of the position on a thick diaphragm, a thin membrane and a disc simply supported at the rim. The results of finite element calculations presented reveal that large deviations from these equations occur for strain gauges on thin membranes made of soft materials.