Strain Gauge Load Cell Working Principle:

Strain Gauge Load Cell – The Load Cell is used to weigh extremely heavy loads. A length of bar, usually steel, is used as the active element. The weight of the load applies a particular stress to the bar. The amount of strain which results in the bar for different values of applied stress is determined, so that the strain may be used as a direct measure of the stress causing it.

The Strain Gauge Load Cell Working Principle shown in Fig. 13.30 is a good example of the use of strain gauges in weighing operations.

Strain Gauge Load Cell

As the stress is applied along the direction of S (shown by the arrow in Fig. 13.30), the steel bar experiences a compression along that axis and an expansion along the X and Y axes. As a result, gauge A experiences a decrease in resistance, while gauge B undergoes an increase in resistance.

When these two gauges and the gauges on the two remaining sides of the steel are connected to form a bridge circuit, four times the sensitivity of a simple gauge bridge is obtained. This makes the load cell sensitive to very small values of applied stress, as well as to extremely heavy loads.

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