Chapter 6

Force Measurement
What is a Force Measurement Sensor?
A force sensor, also known as a load cell sensor, is a type of transducer, specifically a force transducer. It
converts an input mechanical force such as load, weight, tension, compression or pressure into another physical
variable. In this case, it is converted into an electrical output signal that can be measured, converted and
standardized. As the force applied to the force sensor increases, the electrical signal changes proportionally.
There are a large variety of load cell types based on size, geometry and capacity. Many of them are
manufactured in the US by FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, a leading manufacturer that utilizes one of the
most advanced technologies in the sensor industry: metal foil strain gauge technology.

Force Transducers have become an essential element in many industries from automotive (car sensors or
vehicle sensors); high precision manufacturing; aerospace and defense; industrial automation; medical and
pharmaceuticals, and robotics, where reliable and high precision measurement is paramount. Most recently,
rapid advancements in the fields of collaborative robots (cobots) and surgical robotics have given rise to many
novel force measurement applications.
Force Measurement:
1. Strain gauge
2. LVDT
3. Piezoelectric

1. Strain Gauge

How does a force measurement sensor work?

Firstly, we need to understand the underlying physics and material science behind the strain force measurement
working principle, which is the strain gauge (sometimes referred to as Strain gage). Strain gauges are electrical
conductors tightly attached to a film in a zigzag shape. When this film is pulled, it — and the conductors — stretches
and elongates. When it is pushed, it is contracted and gets shorter. This change in shape causes the resistance in
the electrical conductors to also change. The strain applied in the load cell can be determined based on this
principle, as strain gauge resistance increases with applied strain and diminishes with contraction.
LVDT’s are frequently used to
measure spring deformation
in weighing systems and force
measuring transducers (load
cells). The displacement
measurement and the
characteristics of the spring
(force/unit displacement) are
used to calculate the applied
force.

A simple weighing system like

the one illustrated below will
consist of a weighing pan,
displacement sensor, coil
springs, and a base.
● Both the LVDT and springs are attached to the base, with the core assembly
connected to the weighing pan.
● Alignment of the core assembly is precise enough to assure that no rubbing
between the core and transducer ID takes place.
● The weighing pan is centered over the LVDT, and mounted on the springs.
Once the system is constructed, the output of the transducer is mechanically
or electrically zeroed.
● Placing an object on the weighing pan and measuring the displacement
allows for the calculation of weight or force.
● To determine this value, the system simply multiplies the displacement
(inches) by the spring constant (Pounds/Inch or Newtons/Inch).
● If the mass of the object is required, the gravity component (32 ft/sec. 2 or 9.8
m/sec.2 ) must be factored out of the result.
Piezoelectric force sensor
What is a piezoelectric force sensor?
The piezoelectric force sensor, also known as a load washer or measurement washer, is
the classic piezoelectric measurement element for the measurement of force along a
single axis.
How are piezoelectric force sensors used?
Piezoelectric force sensors are normally integrated at the measuring point directly in the
force flux of the existing structure and installed and calibrated with the required
pretension.
Pretensioned piezoelectric force sensors or force transducers are immediately ready to
perform measurements and are delivered calibrated. They can be used to measure
compression and tensile forces.
Piezoelectric force sensors are used in various applications, for example, in mounting
technology, in spotwelding or in presses, during the measurement of impact resistance,
cutting forces and forming forces or in force plates, Weigh In Motion systems and in
crash-test setups.
Torque Measurement:
Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate
about an axis. Just as force is what causes an object to accelerate in linear
kinematics, torque is what causes an object to acquire angular acceleration.

A torque sensor is a sensor that converts mechanical torque to an

electrical signal.
Principle of mechanical torsion meter

When a shaft is connected between a driving engine and driven load, a twist (angular
displacement) occurs on the shaft between its ends. This angle of twist is measured
and calibrated in terms of torque.

Construction of mechanical torsion meter

The main parts of the mechanical torsion meter are as follows:

1. A shaft which has two drums and two flanges mounted on its ends as shown
in the diagram.
2. One drum carries a pointer and other drum has a torque calibrated scale.
3. A stroboscope is used to take readings on a rotating shaft.
Operation of mechanical torsion meter:

1. One end of the shaft of the torsion meter is connected to the driving engine
and its other end to the driven load.
2. An angle of twist is experienced by the shaft along its length between the
two flanges which is proportional to the torque applied to the shaft.
3. A measure of this angle of twist becomes a measure of torque when
calibrated.
4. The angular twist caused is observed on the torque calibrated scale
corresponding to the position of the pointer. As the scale on the drum is
rotating, reading cannot be taken directly. Hence a stroboscope is used.
The stroboscope’s flashing light is made to fall on the scale and the flashing
frequency is adjusted till a stationary image is obtained. Then the scale
reading is noted.
Application of mechanical torsion meter

1. Simple and inexpensive method

2. Power of shaft can be calculated (flashing frequency gives
information about speed).