EXPERIMENT

Objective:

Study of Strain measurement using strain gauges and cantilever assembly

Apparatus Required:

1. ST2304 trainer with power supply cord

2. Multimeter
3. Connecting cords

Theory:

Strain Gauge ST2304 provides study of Strain Gauge and their application for
measurement of Strain. It helps to study bridge configuration of Strain Gauge and the
signal conditioning circuits required to measure strain. It uses cantilever beam
arrangement to produce strain on Strain Gauge. The Strain Gauges are firmly
cemented to the cantilever at the point where the strain is to be measured. Weights are
placed on free end of cantilever. Strain developed changes the resistance of Strain
Gauge which is detected by full bridge configuration.

Diagram:
Procedure:

1. Switch ‘On’ the trainer power supply.

2. Observe reading of the display. It should be 000.
3. If the display reading is not 000 then adjust offset null.
4. *Connect USB cable between ST2304 Trainer and PC.
5. *Open the Real time software and select port where the USB cable is connected.
If USB port connects beyond com10, it will not be showing in drop down list.
Go on Device manager, change its property, and assign USB port between
com 2 to com 9.
6. *Click on start button.
7. Place a weight of 50 gms on the cantilever's free end and observe the display
reading. It indicates strain developed on cantilever in strain
8. Calculate theoretical strain by the formula.
(6 F L) / (W T2 Y)
F = mg
Where, F = force (N),
m = mass (Kg),
g = acceleration due to gravity (9.8m/Sq. sec),
L = Length (m), w = width (m),
T = thickness (m),
Y = Young's modulus (N/Sq. m) = 200109 N/m2 for stainless steel.
Or
12 *Feed the weight (which you place on the cantilever) on real time software, it
will show theoretical strain (μStrain) and then click on get button to compare
theoretical and practical strains. There will be 3-4% variation between
theoretical strain and practical strain on software window.
13 Repeat the above maintained for different weights as shown in the following
table and complete the table.
14. *After taking readings, click on Arrange Button.
15. *Select theoretical Value and click on plot to get the plot between Theoretical
Strain and Weight it will appear to be linear.
16. *Select Practical Value and click on plot to get the plot between Practical Strain
and Weight.
17. *To analyze the difference between Practical strain and theoretical strain select
both and click on plot button.

For lower weights like 5, 10, 15 gm subtract no load display reading (in case
display reading is not 000) from the display reading for 5, 10, 15 gm to get the
result close to theoretical strain. The LSB of display may fluctuate for any
weight placed on the cantilever. For accurate strain measurement, take middle
value of fluctuating LSB. Real time software works only for weight above 50
gms.
 Observation Table:

Result:
This experiment Strain measurement using strain gauges and cantilever assembly