Enter the change in resistance, the original gauge resistance, and the strain into the calculator to determine the gauge factor. The gauge factor is a dimensionless number that describes the sensitivity of the strain gauge.
Gauge Factor Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the gauge factor:
GF = (ΔR / R) / ε
Variables:
- GF is the gauge factor
- ΔR is the change in resistance
- R is the original gauge resistance
- ε is the strain
To calculate the gauge factor, divide the change in resistance by the original gauge resistance and then divide that result by the strain.
What is a Gauge Factor?
The gauge factor is a property of strain gauges that quantifies the sensitivity of the gauge to strain. It is defined as the ratio of fractional change in electrical resistance to the fractional change in length (strain). The gauge factor is crucial in converting the electrical resistance change into a strain value and is used in various applications, including mechanical engineering, materials testing, and structural health monitoring.
How to Calculate Gauge Factor?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Gauge Factor.
- First, determine the change in resistance (ΔR).
- Next, determine the original gauge resistance (R).
- Next, determine the strain (ε).
- Use the formula GF = (ΔR / R) / ε to calculate the Gauge Factor (GF).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Change in resistance (ΔR) = 0.002 ohms
Original gauge resistance (R) = 120 ohms
Strain (ε) = 0.0005
